Sapphire Coast Anglican College student Emma Collins has won Quota International of Narooma’s Student of the Year Quest for 2017. Narooma High’s Cyann Vlatkovic was the worthy runner-up. The judges indicated that the result was very close and thought all entrants represented their schools magnificently. Emma now progresses to the Regional Final in Unanderra in August.
Above: Winner Emma with Eurobodalla Shire Councillor Councillor Phil Constable
The Student of the Year Quest demands a lot from the students and on Tuesday 27th they certainly delivered. Although the public speaking section is the event that takes the eye of the public, there are other aspects to the Quest. Before the evening’s public speaking, the three Quest entrants from Narooma High and the Sapphire Coast Anglican College attended an interview with three judges: Lynda Ord, Susan Pryke and Graeme Sawyer.
Above: Susan Pryke, Emma Collins, Lynda Ord, Cyann Vlatkovic, Graeme Sawyer and Luke Walters
Entrants were marked on general knowledge and their ability to discuss current affairs. Points were also awarded for their leadership skills, citizenship, sporting and cultural activities as well as grooming and presentation.
An audience of over 30 people really enjoyed the different topics chosen by the entrants in the public-speaking segment of the Quest. Emma spoke about the benefits of learning another language. A second language helps when travelling both with getting around and relating to the new friends met. Indeed, it adds to the traveller’s cultural knowledge and in many cases it can assist with gaining employment. She herself has gained fluency in French and looks forward to possibly becoming an au-pair after she finishes school.
Cyann reminded the those present about how wonderful true friendship is. As she spoke you could see her audience realised the different ways that they too have gained and kept friends as they have progressed through life. Each time a new friend enters your life, it is like a gift. There was general agreement that a true friend is indeed worth having.
Our third entrant in the Quest was Luke Walters from Sapphire Coast Anglican College. He outlined the process of homeostasis to us. Now, you might think that this could have been a little boring, but not in the hands of Luke. Whilst most in the audience learnt a lot, they also enjoyed his humourous take on the subject.
Above: Luke Walters with ESC Councillor Lindsay Brown
All those present admired the courage of the students during the ad lib section as they coped magnificently with the word “nature”. Even though the ad lib is only one minute, we can tell that it looms large in each student’s mind. The audience laughs along with the students and definitely shares the sense of relief with the entrant when it is over. In all, it was a most successful Quest and the Quota Club of Narooma congratulates all entrants on their fine performance. They are a credit both to their parents and to their schools. All those who take the opportunity to attend come away with a positive feeling about our youth and an honest amazement at the talent and confidence they display.
Above: Student of the Year contestants Luke Walters Emma Collins Cyann Vlatkovic
Quota is grateful to our judges for giving of their time and expertise, for the support of Club Narooma and Georgie’s Fine Jewellery for their assistance with the Student of the Year Quest.
