The results are in for Quincy Rotary’s annual high school speech and music contests. Quincy Junior-Senior High School’s Matt Gibson (Leonhardt) placed first in the speech contest and Quincy High’s Fisher
Clark came in first in the music contest. Matt and Fisher now move to the next level of competition: the Rotary area contest in Loyalton at the end of April.
Speech contest
Organizers reported that though Matt Gibson delivered the winning speech, the performances of the other contestants — Addison Gay, Hana Hostetter and Ava McColm — followed close behind. The contest was held March 11 at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds.
Each contestant had five to seven minutes to expand upon this year’s theme: “Rotary is a volunteer organization. How have you volunteered towards promoting HOPE in the world, and how did you see HEARTS impacted through the experience?”
Matt spoke about the game club he started at his previous school where many students felt isolated. The club connected students and gave them a sense of belonging. Addison (second place) spoke of her experiences as president of Quincy High’s Service Club, and how volunteering provides critical connections. Ava (third place), as vice president of S-Club, spoke about serving Thanksgiving dinner to the community, providing a place where no one sat alone and she felt pure and kind energy. Hana spoke about how volunteering impacts the self and the person receiving on the other end.
Quincy Rotary hosted lunch for contestants, their families and the contest judges. The judges were Kelsea Johnson from Quincy’s West End Theatre, and Feather River College English professors William Lombardi and Nikki Grose. Each contestant was honored with a certificate.
Music contest
Two weeks later, four Quincy high schoolers competed in Quincy Rotary’s music contest concert. The venue and piano were provided by Jordan Blanton, Quincy Elementary School principal.
Fisher Clark, last year’s winner, retained his first-place spot with a piano piece. Guitar player William Coelho came in second and flutist Kaitlynn Miller came in third. Adria Black on violin placed fourth. All demonstrated the hard work and commitment it takes to master a musical instrument and the guts it takes to perform in front of an audience, said organizers.
This contest’s judges were The Drunk Brush’s Ricardo Jacobus, Lutheran minister Kendra Fredrickson and Plumas Charter School’s Greg Willis.
Information provided by Quincy Rotary Club
