Submitted by Lynn Edmonds

The topic for the 2019 Speaker Contest will be “Freedom of the Press. What does it mean?”

This topic is very important and vital to our freedom and democracy evidenced by the continued fight over newspaper reporting in our daily life and discourse. Facts, opinions, fake news come up almost every day in nations’ politics and governing. Fillmore students, parents, teachers and the newspaper are thrust into daily controversy and strife over what is true and factual and correct. Youth living in the Fillmore School District area will have a chance to weigh in on this important topic during the speaker contest.

The contest will be held on Monday, February 4 at 6:45pm at the Scout House on the eastern end of Sespe Avenue. Parents, students, educators and the general public are invited to attend. The contest is open to all Fillmore area students of high school age regardless of the school of attendance (including home taught and foreign exchange students).

The winner will receive $100 and all participants $25 providing their speech is at least 5 minutes. Student should enter by contacting the Lion’s Club Chair Bill Edmonds at 805-524-4839 or Barbara Lemons at Fillmore High School. Students can also pick up the application and flyer at Walt’s Jewelry in downtown Fillmore.

Students should enter early and begin writing early as it takes time to research and prepare. Only six students can enter the contest. The first six who enter and are prepared to compete will be chosen. Good luck to all the students.