From left are contest winner Katie Carson and Rio Linda Lions Club Chairperson Lion Debbie at the annual Student Speaker Contest on Jan. 22 at the Grange Hall. Photo courtesy of Rio Linda Lions Club

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - The Rio Linda Lions Club held its annual Student Speaker Contest on Jan. 22 at the Grange Hall, highlighting youth perspectives on mental health and well-being while recognizing local student achievement.

The contest, held at 7 p.m. at 1315 G St., featured speeches from high school students Maddie Shull and Katie Carson. Both students addressed this year’s topic, “Youth Mental Health: Overcoming Barriers to Well-Being,” offering thoughtful reflections on the challenges facing today’s youth.

After a closely contested competition, Katie Carson was named the club-level winner and will advance to the Wolfskill Zone contest, scheduled for late February. The next round of competition will take place Feb. 26 at Center High School.

Winners at each level of the Student Speaker Contest advance to the next round of competition, beginning at the club level and progressing through the zone, region, district and area contests before culminating in the final contest.

The Rio Linda Lions Club held their annual Student Speaker Contest on Jan. 22 at the Grange Hall. Photo courtesy of Rio Linda Lions Club

“We would like to thank them both for outstanding performances,” the Lions Club said in a Facebook statement.

Judges and audience members praised the speeches for their insight and relevance, noting that the presentations explored themes of stress, inclusion, hope, support and the stigmas surrounding mental health.

“It was an informative look at today’s youth viewpoint,” said Gene Kypke with the Lion Club, emphasizing the importance of giving students a platform to discuss issues affecting their generation.

Carson is an active leader in the Rio Linda Future Farmers of America program and a member of the Leo Club, the youth organization affiliated with Lions Club International.

The Student Speaker Contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12 and progresses through multiple levels of competition. After the club contest, students may advance to zone, region, district, area and final contests, with each level offering opportunities for recognition and scholarships.

The Rio Linda Lions Club hosts the annual event as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting youth leadership, public speaking and community engagement.