Nathan, top local youth

His victory over fellow Bega High School student Clare Barcham at the Bank Hotel on Saturday came just days after they competed together for the school’s Mock Trial team.

The Lions Youth of the Year is a national competition hosted by Lions Australia and sponsored by the National Australia Bank.

Competitors have the opportunity to progress through the competition from club level to zone, regional, district, state and on to the national finals.

The competition involved an interview, including impromptu questions, followed by public speaking.

Clare and Nathan were interviewed by locals Sharon Whiting, Leanne Heyhorn and Kevin Dowman.

Judging categories included leadership, sporting, community, cultural involvement, personality, general knowledge and academic achievement.

Nathan impressed the judges with his five-minute planned speech on remembrance on Australian War History and that today’s youth still care.

He also won the public speaking award and $100 for his effort.

Nathan now proceeds to the next level of competition in February.

“It was a very wonderful and great experience,” Nathan said.

“It was the first time I participated and I just decided to give it a shot without expecting too much really.

“It’s exciting though and I’m glad I took the opportunity.”

Both Nathan and Clare were praised by judges for their cool-headed approach.

Bega Lions Club is proud to be the hosts for the local Lions Youth of the Year competition.