Rotary Against Drugs Speech Contest

The Wilson County Rotary Clubs Rotary Against Drugs High School Speech Contest was held Sunday, February 12, 2006 at Imagination Station Science Museum. Eight Wilson County High School students presented a six minute speech on the topic “What Must Be Done to Prevent Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the U.S?”

Bryant Best a sophomore at James B. Hunt High School took top honors in the competition. Katie Watterson, a junior at James B. Hunt High School placed second and Gloria Arizepe a freshman at Beddingfield High School placed third. Zandy Kearney a sophomore at Beddingfield High School received an Honorable Mention. In addition to certificates the top three contestants received a cash prize.

These students will compete at the Rotary District 7720 RAD Finals to be held at Imagination Station Science Museum on Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 PM. Winners from the District 7720 contest will compete at the Multi-district competition Sunday, March 19 in Chapel Hill.

“RAD is a great program that allows students to consider the extent and implications of using mind altering drugs,” stated Karl McKinnon, event co-chairman. “It is also a great way for students to increase their co-curricular resume for college and to receive cash prizes that will match some of the scholarships given out each year.”

This Rotary Against Drugs (RAD) project is the result of Past Rotary International President Clifford Dochterman‘s 1992 challenge to Rotarians across the United States to start district-wide and multi-district drug and alcohol abuse prevention projects. Dochterman hoped to bring awareness to and hopefully alleviate the pain and suffering and financial costs of drug abuse are ignored by most Americans.

“It is insightful to hear the thoughts and see the drug problem through our future leaders eyes. We can all be extremely proud of the students that will represent Wilson County at the next level of competition,” comment McKinnon.

Wilson Rotary Club, The Rotary Club of Greater Wilson, and the Elm City Rotary Club all provided resources to make this competition possible.