Rotary Club of Indianapolis Sponsors Two High Schoolers at District Speech Competition

The Rotary Club of Indianapolis proudly sponsored two talented high school students to participate in the Rotary District 6560 Speech Competition on Saturday, February 8, at Anderson University. The competitors, sophomore Avy Arun and senior Mayah Lopez, both from Westfield High School, were accompanied by the Club Speech Contest Chair, Tom Fodor, as they anxiously awaited the results.

The competition was fierce, with twelve students representing nearly four dozen Rotary clubs in the district. All participants showcased exceptional skills, poise, and passion in their speeches. Among them, Mayah Lopez, who had previously won the Rotary Club of Indianapolis competition, secured third place overall at the district level, earning a $250 prize. Her powerful speech, titled “The Lungs Of Our World,” called for immediate action to address the alarming destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

Both Mayah and Avy will be honored at an upcoming Club meeting, where they will receive the Club’s awards. Mayah will be awarded a $300 prize along with her high school which will further support the speech and debate program.

A special thank you goes out to Westfield High School English, Speech, and Debate Teacher Holly Reineking, whose dedication and hard work always prepare her students to compete at the highest levels.

The Rotary Club of Indianapolis is proud to support young voices like Mayah and Avy, helping to inspire the next generation of leaders and advocates for positive change in the world.