With club and regional wins tucked firmly under her belt, Youth of the Year Program entrant Eloise Knight will head to Brisbane this weekend to compete for the program’s district finals.
Eloise, a student at Stanthorpe State High School, won her spot for the regional competition against five other local students then took out the winning place at Goondiwindi earlier this month.
Eloise’s first win was at a dinner hosted by the Stanthorpe Lions Club at the International Club. Angie Sims, MC for the night and wife of the club co-ordinator of the program Stuart Sims, said the event included daytime judging and a dinner where the contestants gave impromptu and prepared speeches. Judges for the local Youth of the Year Program segment were Peter Watters, of Ballandean, Robyn Murray (former Border Post editor) and Sharon Newlands from the Stanthorpe Branch of the National Australia Bank.
“The students each have a 20-minute interview where they answer questions about community, school involvement and their aspirations. They also answer some general knowledge questions. The contestants address selection criteria similar to those that a jobseeker would,” she said.
“They each answer two impromptu questions. Everyone gets the same questions and the students wait outside until it is their turn. Afterwards they present a five-minute prepared speech.”
Stanthorpe Lions Club secretary Stuart Perrett said he hoped to attend the district finals at Acacia Ridge along with some other club members this Saturday, March 18.
“It’s the first time in four or five years our club has had someone at the district finals, so we’re excited for Eloise,” he said.
“The district stretches to the south side of Brisbane excluding Ipswich, as far west as St George and Goondiwindi and goes south to take in Tenterfield, Lismore and Ballina. It’s a big area.“
The winner of the district finals will go on to state level then the successful Queensland contestant will attend the nationals which will be held on the Gold Coast later this year.
