Solange’s sweet victory
Solange’s sweet victory
March 18, 2010
Section: Community
WITH a speech on sonnets to slang – rescuing the English language, Thirroul’s Solange Handley sealed her victory at the regional level of the Lions Club Youth of the Year quest on Saturday.
Solange, the Smith Hill High School captain beat Cameron Paniagua of Albion Park, Natasha D’Alessio, of Berkeley, James Poole of Kanahooka and others in the competition’s second tier.
The drama enthusiast will now compete at the district level on March 27 in Canberra against representatives from Lions Clubs from Liverpool to Cooma and Eden to Helensburgh. Solange said she was thrilled to win against such tough competition and respected the trust judges had placed in her to represent the region.
“To be given that opportunity to be able to take it up the next level really makes you feel really good and I’m excited to be taking it on,’’ Solange said.
“It’s a big responsibility and I intend to do it justice.’’
The president of competition host club Dapto Lions, John Penney, congratulated all of the students on creating a lively and impressive contest at The Grange Golf Club at Kembla Grange.
“The kids are always pretty good,’’ Mr Penney said. “But it also depends a lot on how well the schools advertise the quest.’’
Mr Penney said the quest was an invaluable experience for students in terms of gaining confidence.
