The Borden Lions held their 12th annual speak-off competition March 13 in the Lions' club room with three speakers from Borden and Langham schools - Chantelle MacLeod, Shawna Langer and Emma Prescesky.
Lion Sharon Assman spoke of the book drive for Ronald McDonald House and the scholarship of $500 for post-secondary students from Borden and Langham Schools. The winner from five applicants for 2013 was Tyrell Sargent of Borden.
Lion Marlene Derbawka spoke of their soup and bun luncheon with Grade 11 and 12 students from Borden School. She had just given the students $200 for their work at the luncheon.
President John Buswell talked about the speak-offs, giving students a chance to enhance their speaking ability. The plaque is in memory of Donald Sutherland and the winners all get a cash prize; plus they can go on to districts and to the annual convention.
The judges introduced were Margaret Thomas, teacher of language arts in Saskatoon, Lion Marlene Derbawka, Borden village councillor Tom Redhead and the timer was Lion Sandra Long.
Chantelle spoke on Making Decisions: the seven steps to follow and a personal decision she had to make about her injured horse last summer. Shawna spoke on How to Write and Present a Speech and the distractions and difficulties encountered. Emma chose to talk about Eating Disorders, especially in teens - the causes, role models and how to handle stress and bullying.
The plaque and first place went to Chantelle, second to Shawna and third to Emma. Each girl received a cheque. The three girls are all eligible to advance to the next level. The Lions presented gifts to the judges and served juice and cookies to those in attendance.
District 29 held their 4-H public speaking in Blaine Lake School March 14, with speakers from four clubs represented - Borden Light Horse, Crown Hill Beef, Sask Valley Dairy and Trailblazers Light Horse - and 20 speakers on the program.
MCs for the evening were from the Crown Hill club, Anna Verbonac and Rachel Sutherland. They introduced the six judges: Rene and Josie April from Prince Albert, Cindy Fox from Biggar, Norm and Delva Rebin from Blaine Lake and Gar Williams from Borden. They gave a bit of background about each judge.
Cloverbud speaker was Shayla Neufeld of Sask Valley who spoke on the pet bunny.
In juniors, speakers included Savannah Sutherland on dance and Teaira Tracksell on pea fowl, both from Borden Light Horse. From Sask Valley Dairy, Ethan Nienhuis spoke on hockey games and the Blades team and Nicole Prium spoke on her favourite team, the Pittsburgh Penguins. From Crown Hill Beef, Justin Yaseniuk's speech was entitled My Role Model - My Older Brother. Hunter Reid told about his favourite food, cheesecake.
In intermediates, from Borden Club, Cassidy Serhienko spoke on her favourite novels and Rachel Sutherland on fourth generation farming. From Sask Valley Dairy, Samantha Van Rootselaar told about video game addiction and Chelsea Van Rootselaar told everyone about barn flies. From Crown Hill, Kolten Yasienuik spoke on hunting and from the Trailblazers club Alex Thiessen spoke about homelessness and what to do about it.
In the seniors' group, from Borden club, Chantelle MacLeod spoke on decisions and Emma Prescesky on eating disorders. From Sask Valley, Ariana Mulder chose, as her topic, For As Long As I Can Remember. From Crown Hill, Brittany Attrux told about her trip to Italy and Anna Verbonac spoke on her dad.
While the judges conferred, everyone enjoyed a variety of fruit and vegetables along with sweets and beverages. The judges each gave tips to the speakers on how to improve their speeches, but all were very impressed with the calibre of speeches. One mentioned they are winners by even getting up on stage and speaking to an audience, and how it will help them later in life.
Each member received a certificate. There were medallions for the top three placings in each category. First place each received $100 and can advance to regionals March 23 in Lloydminster.
Shayla won first in Cloverbuds. In juniors, first went to Justin, second to Savannah and third to Teaira. In intermediates, first was Cassidy, Rachel second and Samantha third. In seniors, first went to Ariana, second to Emma and third to Chantelle.
The judges were all given gift certificates for their efforts.
The Borden Friendship Club held their monthly meeting March 12, with reports on the Kaiser tournament March 11. Winners were Gerry Duda and Terry Petriew.
Upcoming March 20 is the last bingo for the season. The other clubs will be invited for supper and a program June 10, and the club will hold a spring tea and bake sale April 15 with proceeds to help pay for our SOS Village Mombaswa sponsorship.
Rose Mandziak gave a report on a casino bus to North Battleford that could be arranged.
The In Motion Forever program has two more going to take training - Bev Assman and Lottie Petriew. The exercises with Audrey Baker instructing are every Monday morning at 10 a.m., open to anybody, not just members. Rita Smith spoke on the In Motion Forever grant she is working on to help defray expenses.
The sing-a-long group meet every Wednesday, except the last week of the month, for some fun and fellowship.
The annual meeting of the club, with election of officers and committees, is April 9 at 3 p.m., and everyone is encouraged to attend.