Three Plant City High School students might have had knotted stomachs and shaking knees standing on stage in front of a packed group of Rotarians Monday, Feb. 23, at the John R. Trinkle Center. But they didn’t show it. With poise, each one delivered a well-written speech for an annual Rotary speech contest for a chance to win scholarship money.
Ashlyn Yarbrough, Brittany Nesbitt and Chase Lott prepared speeches on Rotary’s theme for this year, “Light Up Rotary.” Although not required to have their speeches memorized yet, the trio did well to present a clear and memorable speech.
Ashlyn walked away the winner, giving a vivid and articulate speech about her mission trip to Haiti while relating it back to the theme.
“I get kind of jittery when I go up there, but I end up having fun,” Ashlyn said. “I like these kinds of things. I was just happy because I don’t win many things. It was fun to do it with friends.”
The Plant City High sophomore has been competing in public speaking since she was in seventh grade. Her mother calls her the writer of the family.
Ashlyn won $100, and along with second-place winner Brittany, will compete at the Rotary district level for a shot to advance to the championship round. There’s more money as each student advances. If they make it to the championship round, a $1,000 scholarship is up for grabs.
Brittany seemed comfortable on stage. She had memorized her entire speech and even ventured from behind the podium to talk with the audience.
“I feel more natural when I’m able to move around,” Brittany said.
Brittany said she was shy when she first entered high school, but now as a senior, she has matured into a confident leader.
“I’m pretty excited,” Brittany said. “I never thought I’d be able to do something like this.”
Chase also had his set of obstacles. He said he fell asleep researching and writing the six- minute speech, trying to make it perfect.
“I’m glad I did (the speech),” Chase said. “It’s a great opportunity to be part of.”
The students were promoted by Sherrie Mueller, college and career counselor at Plant City High School.
“These are some of the best students,” Mueller said. “They be great representatives for Rotary at the next level. I’m very proud of all three of them.”
Each student is very involved at school. Ashlyn is on the cheer team, in Civinettes, Youth Alive, FBLA and FFA among other organizations. Brittany is the Student Government president, on the Senior Executive Council, in AVID and was the Outstanding Optimist Youth of the Year. Chase is in Civitan Club, Student Athlete Club, football and tennis teams, and National Honor Society.
