Deon Testore from Marist College Eastwood has won the Club, Regional and District Finals of the Lions Youth of the Year Program for 2018. [Deon is pictured with Head Judge, Robert Phillips and YOTY Organiser Lynn Campbell(background)]
Epping Eastwood Lions Club hosted students from Epping Boys High School, Cheltenham Girls High School, Normanhurst Boys High School as well as Marist College Eastwood during the first round. Parents, staff and visitors were inspired by the youth of today and look forward to hearing more of them as our future leaders.
Lions Youth of the Year is designed to encourage student interest in leadership and the qualities required to take an active and constructive role in the community. A high level of academic, leadership, sporting, public speaking and citizenship achievement is sought in its potential winners. By emphasising these qualities it hopes to provide outstanding role models for the youth of Australia and an overall increase in the confidence of young men and women.
This is a prestigious event for young people, which boasts many high profile Australians among the ranks of former entrants. These include: Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister; Peter Beattie, a past premier of Queensland; the ABC’s Sabra Lane and Senator Simon Birmingham. Epping Eastwood Lions Club had the first national winner, Geoffrey Graham in 1966 and local member, Jordan Lane was a past contestant.
Youth of the Year provides students with the incentive to pay greater attention to the qualities vital in developing our youth into first class citizens. It is an excellent means of assisting Australia’s youth and promoting the essential role of leadership development and community service organisations in maintaining Australia’s high standard of living.