Claremont High School junior Kate Song, a member of the CHS’s Speech and Debate team (and also the Courier’s talented social media intern), delivered a resounding talk on February 28,  earning her a spot in this year’s regional Rotary District 5300’s Four-Way Test Speech Contest.

“I’m really excited,” Kate said after her win. “This [speech] includes a lot of personal examples close to my family’s story, like my grandmother’s dementia, my mom’s immigration story, so I’m very happy that a lot of people heard it and resonated with it, and it has the opportunity to be heard by more people at the next level.”

The contest, a Rotary tradition since 1943, tasked students with crafting speeches to a theme. This year’s was “The magic of Rotary,” with the prompt, “Of the things we think, say or do: is it the truth; is it fair to all concerned; will it build goodwill and better friendships; and will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

Claremont High students, Kate and senior Lucas Grannis, and Alta Loma High junior Troy Hsiao Lee, were competing. Each were judged on personal qualities, material organization, delivery and presentation, and overall effectiveness. Lucas was the runner-up and Troy finished third.

Each represented a club — Kate, Claremont Sunrise Rotary; Lucas, Rotary Club of Claremont; and Troy, Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga — where they had previously won at their organization’s club level competition to earn a spot at the February 28 group level contest.

Four-Way Test Speech Contest Regionals will be held throughout the month of March.

Claremont High junior Kate Song, representing Claremont Sunrise Rotary, earned a spot in this year’s regional contest by winning Rotary District 5300’s Four-Way Test Speech Contest on February 28. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

Claremont High senior Lucas Grannis of Rotary Club of Claremont was the runner-up at the February 28 Rotary District 5300 Four-Way Test Speech Contest. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo

Alta Loma High junior Troy Hsiao Lee of Rotary Club of Rancho Cucamonga placed third at the February 28 group level Rotary District 5300’s Four-Way Test Speech Contest. Courier photo/Andrew Alonzo