Denison College Bathurst High Campus Year 12 student Zoe Peters will be the first local representative in some time to compete in the state final of the Lions Youth of the Year Quest, an initiative designed to encourage and develop leadership skills.
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Peters was named the winner of six finalists at the recent western district final of the Quest at Narromine, and will head to Canberra on April 17 for the state final.
"It's quite a competitive competition that offers a great insight into the standard of youth leaders from different regions, and I'm really excited to meet these individuals at Canberra," she said.
"The Quest involves a vast array of challenges, including impromptu questions, speeches and interviews, and I have no doubt the experience has enhanced my approach to leadership."
The Youth of the Year Quest has been run by Lions Clubs all over Australia since 1980, and requires contestants to have a 30-40 minute interview with independent judges and present two impromptu speeches and a prepared speech of the contestant's choice.
At the western district final, Peters modelled her speeches around "pushing the limits", with a strong focus on rural living, public education and women.
"I drew a lot of my material in the speeches from personal experiences, and I definitely think we need individuals challenging the expectations and stereotypes put upon us," she said.
"It's important for members of society to realise their orientation or background shouldn't serve as a limiting factor in their personal development."
Peters said the experience has provided her with a greater perspective of what youthful individuals value about society.
"It's opened my eyes to the substantial number of students out there looking to advocate for change and positive societal outcomes for younger generations," she said.
Peters is supported by the Lions Club of Bathurst, and is currently the Bathurst Youth Mayor.
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