Rotary Club of Hollister held its Richard D. King Annual Youth Speech Contest on Jan. 25, with 10 students from San Benito High School and Pinnacles Community School competing for scholarship prizes.

Hernan Chavez, who attends Pinnacles Community School, took first place in the contest and was awarded $100. Second place winner Holly Lompa and third place winner, Katie Silva, both attend San Benito
High School. Both were also awarded cash prizes.

All speeches needed to be the original work of the students and this year’s theme, “Be a Gift to the World,” had to be incorporated into the speech.

Within the District, Rotary clubs are grouped into nine areas, with three to nine clubs in each area. Every Club Level winner will compete with the winners from the other clubs in that area. The first place winner will be selected to participate in the regional level competition, with other contests in the Rotary District for successful competitors at the
area level.

The Rotary Club of Hollister was one of the first such clubs established in California. It provides support to the community in the form of monetary contributions for student scholarships, contributions to athletic and youth programs, and providing a large base of volunteers that help support many programs around the community and worldwide.