The night pitted Lily Attwood, of Batemans Bay High School, and Ella Hodges, of Carroll College Broulee, together for an evening of public speaking on February 21.

Moruya Lions Club president and event chairman Alan Woollett said the competition was a sign of good things to come.

“I’m a school teacher myself and it’s always great to see great kids that put their hand up to go in these things,” Alan said.

“It makes you feel safe that you know the future’s in pretty good hands when you’ve got kids like that come through.”

After responding to two impromptu questions and delivering one prepared speech, 17-year-old Lily Attwood was crowned the overall competition winner.

The aspiring engineer impressed the judges with her speech about the opportunities and challenges of growing up in a regional area.

The year 12 student said, despite a few nerves, she was pleased she took part in the contest and encouraged future senior students to get involved.

“Although it is daunting, definitely just give it a go, because afterwards you feel so much better and more confident,” Lily said.

“I felt proud of myself that I got up and went outside my little box to push myself.”

Lily will represent the club at the Zone final in Bomaderry next month.

Ella also put on a strong display with her speech on the dangers of plastic pollution.

Despite first hearing about the competition on Friday afternoon, the 16-year-old saw it as an opportunity to practise her public speaking skills for her school environmental group.

The Narooma Lions Club held its 2016-2017 Youth of the Year contest in November last year at the Narooma Golf Club. The entrants were Alicia Bate, Sharnie Bird and Paris Blessington. 

Alicia, who was also the 2015-2016 winner, showed the benefit from her previous experiences and was named the eventual winner.

Alicia will now represent the Narooma Lions Club at Zone.

Moruya High School’s Jack Gill won the 2016 event.