(r-l) Shealan Cruise, winner and runner-up Gene Mannatt (Photo by Sandy Bilyeu)

Press Release-Independence, CA

Local Lions Clubs throughout California are holding their speech contests open to all high school age students.  The contests are actually a series of competitions and eliminations, with the winner continuing on to zone, regional and eventually state wide contests.  Scholarship money is awarded to the winners of each contest, with the statewide winner receiving $21,000 from the Lions Student Foundation.

On February 7th, the Independence Lion’s Club held their local speech contest for students from independence.  Twenty two people attended to watch the very competitive competition between students Gene Mannatt and Shealan Cruise.  Excellent speeches were given by both students and the panel of three judges completed their very difficult task with choosing Shealan as the winner.  Shealan now goes on to compete in the next round against winners from other Eastern Sierra communities in Bishop in March.

Excellent homemade desserts were enjoyed by all after the event.  The Independence Lions Club would like to thank all of the volunteers who gave of their time to help put on and be part of the contest.  These types of events add an important dimension to the education and development of our youth and the involvement of the Independence community in supporting this event is very much appreciated.