A spontaneous speech on why his father is his greatest inspiration, has won local student, John Dunn, the Public Speaking award for the Lions Youth of the Year 2008 for the Western District.

John was required to give two spontaneous talks, each of two minutes duration, as well as a five minute prepared discussion of his choice, at the District finals held in Parkes recently. Competing against six other students from Wagga, Parkes and other larger centres, John delivered his talks with confidence and genuine enthusiasm.

His prepared speech focussed on his experiences in the Cadet Corp where he holds the rank of Sargent. John has been a member of the 200 ACU, 4 Platoon Boorowa Cadets for five years and clearly sees his future within the Defence Force.

“I would like to join the Army when I finish Year 12,” John said. “That is definitely my career goal.”

John’s win is an indicator of the quality of education available in small rural schools. The other schools represented in the finals have in excess of 1,000 students compared with Boorowa Central School which has just 200 students. John says the competition was not about academic prowess.

“The judges were looking for a good balance in academic, sporting and community life,” he said.

“I am not one who lives behind my books. Sport, my family and friends are also very important.”