Heritage High School sophomore Zinah Abraha, 16, recently took first place at the Byron-Delta Lions Club’s 74th annual Speakers Contest held at Excelsior Middle School. More than 30 students, friends and relatives were in attendance. The contestants were judged by Steve Hill, Fred Critchfield, Judi Bartoli, Ethel Reber and Ken Jacopetti.

The other Heritage contestants, accompanied by speech advisor Roger Haley, were Thomas Hally, Carney Hocking and Matt Papasan. Each of them gave an informative and articulate speech on the controversial matter of “Enforcing Our Borders State vs. Federal Rights.”

“It’s encouraging to me that this high caliber of students will pave the way to our future,” said Byron-Delta Lions Club President Joyce Sutay.

Each year the Lions of California challenge Speakers contestants with a thought-provoking topic that helps prepare them to become leaders of today and the future. The contest is open to students in grades nine through 12, including foreign exchange students, and provides more than $21,000 in scholarships.

Zinah will now compete at the Zone Level competition on Feb. 24.

– Contributed by Ann Jordan-Talley