On Jan. 23, Alameda Rotary Club declared Joseph Picchi, a senior at St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, the winner of its youth speech contest. Rotary awarded Picchi a $100 prize and an opportunity to advance to the area speech contest where he will compete against other local Rotary contest winners for a first-place prize of $200. The winner of that contest will have an opportunity to advance to the Rotary’s regional competition.

Picchi’s five-minute speech addressed Rotary’s “4-Way Test” as a guide for everyday living. His speech focused on the way Rotarians say and do things:

• n Is it the truth?
• n Is it fair to all concerned?
• n Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
• n Will it benefit all concerned?

Rotary Clubs of District 5170 sponsor the Richard D. King Annual Youth Speech Contest to help young people know the importance of speaking effectively before a group; to help them better understand what Rotary does worldwide.

Students have the opportunity to compete for $1,550 in prize money, which Rotary awards with no strings attached. Rotarians hope the winners will use the money to further their education. Picchi plans to further his studies in the biomedical engineering field.