Hosted by the Tacking Point Lions Club at Port City Bowling Club, the students went head to head in a battle of resume activities and public speaking

Chief judge John Channon said he was delighted at the robust nature of the competition.

"The District Finals of the Lions Youth of the Year was held in Port Macquarie with students coming from Woolgoolga High School, Macksville High School, Wingham High School, Glen Innes High School, Calrossy Anglican School and Moree Secondary College to compete," Mr Channon said.

"During the day each contestant participated in a forty minute interview answering questions on local, state and federal issues.

"In the evening the contestants had to respond, in two minutes, to two questions plus present their five minute prepared speech on a topic of their own choice."

He said the judges had a hard time splitting the candidates during the three parts of the day.

"The five judges thoroughly enjoyed the experience of listening to the six outstanding candidates," he said.

"Their presentation at both the interview and public speaking components of this program impressed us with their ability to perform at a high standard throughout the day.

"Congratulations go to Stephen Smith for winning the Public Speaking Award and the Lions Youth of the Year Award went to Riley Bomford who will now go on to the State Finals in Tamworth on April 13."

Mal Murray from Tacking Point Lions Club was the organiser of this round of the competition and said it was a fantastic day for candidates and audience members alike.

"I have not seen this level of competition before and all students should be very proud to make it this far in the competition," Mr Murray said.

"It has been a lot of work locally hosting a club round, the zone round and now the district round but it has been rewarding for all of us to see the students grow.

"This competition is about providing young people with an opportunity to develop their skills and build the resume but more than that it is about allowing them to become positive role models.

"A huge thank you must go to all our sponsors and committee members who made the event possible."

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