THERE'S one thing that former prime minister Kevin Rudd, journalist Sabra Lane and senator Simon Birmingham have in common.
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All have held the coveted title of Lions Club Youth of the Year.
Tamworth's Calrossy Anglican School captain Riley Bomford could be next to join their ranks.
The competition looks for leaders who shine in everything from academic achievement to sportsmanship, public speaking and a personality with a little something extra, 17-year-old Riley said.
"My prepared speech is on the importance of character, especially in young people," he said.
"While we might not have the flashy allure of the city, the country offers that deeper message and spirit.
"I've talked about drought and how as Australians we really bind together in those times of hardship."
Riley is headed to the district finals in Tamworth at the weekend, if he takes out the competition there he will move on to the state finals.
Armed with a resume, prepared speech and two impromptu speeches plus an interview, the aim is to find a well-rounded individual to represent the Lions Club.
As a school captain, Riley said he's been lucky enough to get a fair bit of experience in public speaking at assemblies.
"Trying to make students laugh is a skill in itself, you're trying to refine that and every Monday getting that licence to go out there and practice and hone your public speaking really helped," he said.
Riley has been heavily involved in the organisation of the school's centenary celebrations this year, the pink stumps cricket day to raise money for the hospital's McGrath Foundation breast cancer nurse and recently shaved his head to raise money for the Cancer Council.
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Asked to talk off-the-cuff about someone who's had a great influence on him in the regional judging, Riley picked his old history and homeroom teacher Mick Larkin.
"As boring as that might sound he was so much more than that, he was able to turn these boys into men of substance as they came out - I loved that phrase he would always use," he said.
"He had a great influence on me not just as a student but as a person as well, the strict parameters of that question were that you could not do someone in your family and for years he had an amazing influence."
Riley will tackle the Lions Club Youth of the Year district finals on April 13 at Tamworth West Leagues Club.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
