Members of the Escalon Sunrise Rotary Club hosted the club’s annual speech contest on Thursday morning, Feb. 1 at Escalon High School.

A total of 50 clubs throughout Rotary District 5220 host the contests on a local level.

“Topic this year was ‘How does Rotary create hope in the world?’,” explained Rotarian Dave Mantooth. “Students give a five-minute speech.”

Winner at the local level advances to an area contest which encompasses clubs in Oakdale, Salida, Ripon and Escalon; with the date and time still to be determined. Then 12 area winners advance to the district finals which will be held at the Merced County Office of Education on March 16.

Taking first place and qualifying to move on to the area contest was EHS senior Destiny Reyes, with Remy Connolly taking second place and third place honors going to Ariella Partida. Other contestants were Alexandra Davis and Andres Hermosillo.

First place prize was $125, second place received $100 and third place award was $75.

Judges were Rotarians Diane Alcorn, John Weeks, and Duane Lovett.