Hillcrest Rotary Club Hosts Annual Speech Contest

The Rotary Club of Hillcrest Sunrise once again challenged area students to put themselves to the test in a speech contest built around Rotary members' code of conduct.

Rotary Club members follow a four-way test of the things they think, say and do in their personal and professional lives – Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The speech contest awarded cash scholarships from $50 to $150 to students who give presentations incorporating the four-way test.

"There's a difference between winning a success and being a success," said club member Joseph Kamiab, who introduced the contestants.

Winners this year were:
• First place – Nick Kane of
• Second place – Jasmine Cochran of Brush High School
• Third place – Carly Menges of

Kane talked about his father, Brian, being his hero and overcoming adversity that including the death of his father, Nick's grandfather, while Brian was in high school. He said true leaders and heroes continue to get back up regardless of whatever comes by to knock them down.

"The heroes are the ones who are at their best at the worst of times," Kane said.

Since Kane will not be able to attend the Rotary District contest on March 31 at Aurora High, Cochran will represent the Hillcrest club and compete for the top prize of $750. Her speech focused on bullying and violent events such as the Chardon High shooting.

"A boy walked into a cafeteria at Chardon High and changed the fabric of education forever," she said. Cochran said too many schools have not done enough to address bullies. "Slowly, but surely, the ills of society are creeping into our schools."

Menges talked about the use of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs among athletes and how it's unfair to fans and competitors. She said it takes away from fans' enjoyment "to know that the person who hit four home runs for the other team was cheating."