Five Avenues of Service - New Generations

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May 4, 2011

Media Contact:

Michelle Francis

720-254-1288

michelle.francis@2020strategyinc.com

Arvada Sunrise Rotary Awards

Scholarships at Second Annual Speak Up!

Speech Contest

ARVADA, Colo., May 4, 2011 – The Arvada Sunrise Rotary club, celebrating 20 years of community service, awarded eight Arvada and Pomona high school students cash for college at its second annual Speak Up! speech contest held on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at the Arvada Center.

There were nearly 100 attendees, including Rotary members, city dignitaries, local business owners and friends and family of participating high school students. Speeches had to follow Rotary International's theme, "building communities and bridging continents," while applying concepts from the organization's Four-way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

"The Arvada Sunrise Rotary focuses significant effort helping children along a path to success," said Arvada Sunrise Rotary board member John Thielen. "We started the Speak Up! contest because it was important to give deserving kids a head start in college. When coupled with the community's support, the program gives me great hope that these future generations will not only find success, but also share their talents with service to others."

Each student gave a six- to eight-minute speech judged by a panel of professionals that included Arvada assistant city manager Bill Ray and local business leaders. The speech contestants were judged on a 100-point system broken into four main categories: personal qualities, organization, presentation and effectiveness.

Contestants spoke about a variety of topics, ranging from misconceptions about the U.S. and other countries, starting a cause locally and expanding internationally, overseas volunteerism and personal triumph.

Cole Chernushin won a $3,000 first-place scholarship for his speech about how food connects us locally and worldwide, and Rachel Tenney won the $2,000 second-place scholarship for her speech about how the Internet bridges continents, but requires thoughtfulness. Both are seniors at Pomona High School. The remaining contestants took home $500 participation gifts, including Brandon Sheeder, Danielle Bennett, Rachel Moore, Melissa Muniz and Kailee Morton from Pomona High School and Jessica Camomile from Arvada High School.

"We support Arvada and Pomona High School students who dream of going to college, and hope our event will continue to grow each year," said Barbara Fox, International chair for Arvada Sunrise Rotary.

About Arvada Sunrise Rotary

The Arvada Sunrise Rotary is celebrating 20 years of humanitarian service this year. The organization was founded in 1991 as a charter of Rotary International. The 40-member club brings together community and business leaders with one common goal: to foster goodwill and peace through its works, and live the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self." For more information, please visit www.arvadasunriserotary.org.