Jessica is regional winner

Jessica Rooke of Umina Surf Life Saving Club has been announced the winner of the Lions Youth of the Year regional final.

Jessica will now move on to represent the Central Coast region at the district judging on Saturday, March 12, in Toronto.

The Lions Youth of the Year Quest is designed to encourage student interest in leadership and the qualities required to take an active and constructive role in the community.

The quest seeks a high level of academic, leadership, sporting, public speaking and citizenship achievement in its potential winners.

Jessica's journey started in November when she was asked by East Gosford Lioness Club to nominate for the Lions Youth of the Year Quest.

Jessica won this initial round and moved on to represent the club at zone level on Friday, February 24, taking out the Youth of the Year title and the public speaking award.

Jessica was then named the regional winner and now awaits the district judging.

If successful, Jessica will go on to State and then possibly the national quest.

In each round, Jessica goes through an interview process and at the award dinner is asked to give two impromptu speeches of two minutes as well as one prepared speech of five minutes.

"Umina Surf Club and their members are very proud of Jessica and know that being a member of the surf club has helped her achieve part of what is required to win these prestigious awards," said Umina Surf Lifesaving Club secretary Ms Christine Lavers,

Media Release, 2 Mar 2011 Christine Lavers Umina SLSC