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High school student, 17year-old Nathanael Barlow, one of the three Roger Taylor Rotary Speech Contest finalists gathered with more than 50 youth, community leaders and Rotarians last weekend at the Rise Against Hunger facility to present their speeches.
Pictured, l-r, Jay Pennie, President, Chestnut Hill Rotary; Nathanael Barlow, Janeen Barlow.
Barlow, a senior at Pennsylvania Leadership Academy, delivered his speech with confidence. His chosen topic, which challenged the popular notion that “money buys happiness,” won first place and was awarded $1,000. All three finalists delivered great speeches. But in the end, Nathanael’s confident and well-organized delivery earned him the highest praise from the judges and audience.
Short clips from the finalists from the Roger Taylor Rotary Speech Contest.
The second-place winner was Brynn McKeown, at 10th grade student from Twin Valley High School whose speech covered artificial intelligence. The third-place winner was Dylan Attas, a 10th grade student from Archbishop Carroll High School who spoke about historical accuracy and misinformation in the media.
After the speeches, the attendees gathered and packed hundreds of food bags needed for Rise Against Hunger’s clients. These multi-location events were part of Rotary District’s Celebrate Our Youth Day which highlighted the importance community service.
Nathanael Barlow’s complete speech.
Barlow is currently studies vocal music at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts. He is also a student at the Settlement Music School where he is studying opera and piano.
The Roger Taylor Rotary Speech Contest is a competition for high school students to illustrate the Rotary Four-Way Test. Students prepare and deliver a five to seven-minute speech. The test is to ask the questions when making decisions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Pam Rich-Wheeler with Nathanael next to The Four-Way Test banner.
The contest helps students by nurturing ethical decision-making, developing writing and public speaking skills, and empowering advocacy for causes they care about.
Barlow attended the recent Chestnut Hill Rotary breakfast program with his mother, Janeen. “I want to thank everyone at Rotary for giving me the opportunity to participate in this contest,” said Barlow. “I also want to thank Miss Pam, who helped with mentoring me.”
Member Pamela Rich-Wheeler is Executive Director of The Business Center where he was a student of the youth entrepreneurship program.
“It was gratifying and inspiring to see and hear Nathanael’s speech,” said Jay Pennie, President of Chestnut Hill Rotary. “When I around youth like him, I know there is a bright future for our country. A big thank you to member Pam Rich-Wheeler for making this all happen.”
