Three Trigg County High School students participated in the Cadiz Rotary Club’s 2023 speech contest Tuesday afternoon.
The students had five to eight minutes to give their speeches and were graded on a scale provided by the Rotary organization.
This year’s theme was ‘Imagine Rotary.’ Avery Ethridge and Mari Kate Ricks presented in-person speeches. Charlstyn Heath, unable to attend due to a DECA competition, gave her speech via recorded video provided to the club.
Ethridge, a junior, participates in dual credit courses and Thoroughbred Academy at Murray State University, which is paid in full by the Cadiz Rotary Club. She has earned at least 17 college credit hours through both programs.
In her speech, Ethridge spoke about the infinite possibilities that come from the help of the local organization.
Ethridge added Rotarians believe in the shared responsibility for our world’s most pressing issues.
Ricks, a sophomore, plans to take advantage of the courses offered through Thoroughbred Academy.
In her speech, Ricks shared she once struggled in reading but was able to learn the skills out of frustration and being behind in her classes. She added reading is an essential skill that every child should learn.
Ricks spotlighted the efforts of the Cadiz Rotary Club and how they pay for students at Trigg County High School to take the ACT Test, at least once.
Both Ethridge and Ricks shared the message of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” in their speeches.
Heath placed third in the local competition and won $100. Ethridge came in second place and was given a $200 check, with Ricks receiving $300 for winning Tuesday.
Ricks will present her speech during the district competition next month in Princeton.
Ethridge’s full speech:
Ricks’ full speech:
