After Gracie Lunny won the local Lions Junior Public Speaking competition, then went on to the Gippsland Regional event, which she also won, she has now scooped the pool by winning the final against all other participants within the 201V3 District.
The final was held at the Lions 201V3 District Convention in Mt Eliza on October 26, with almost 70 Lions clubs within 201V3 District attending and 11-year-old Gracie did herself proud.
“The topic this year was ‘Someone You Look Up To’ and I chose to talk about my great grandmother Faye Kleehammer,” Gracie said.
“You had to speak for four minutes and there were six judges.”
Showing her true belief in her capabilities, when the Lakes Post asked if she felt nervous, Gracie shrugged and said “not really”.
Gracie, who is the daughter of Meaghan and Mick Lunny, is a grade five student at Toorloo Arm Primary School where her favourite subjects are maths and writing. She also enjoys netball and water skiing.
“Gracie delivered her speech based on her nan with clarity, rhythm and humour,” proud Toorloo Arm school principal Kerry Hughes said.
The Lions Club of Gippsland Lakes Lionesses who organised the local event also congratulated Gracie and said, “Lakes Entrance district is very proud of her achievement”.
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“The Lions Junior Public Speaking competition is held each year and is organised by the us. All primary schools in the area are invited to attend the competition,” they said.
Gracie’s Speech – My Nan
Hi my name is Gracie Lunny and this is my third time at public speaking, so let’s hope it’s third time lucky because I think it’s safe to say the Lions Club might be getting a bit sick of me by now.
Anyway, most people have a grandma and some people here today might even be a grandma so turn up your hearing aids and listen up. I have a great grandma! She isn’t like any other great grandparent. Here are three things I love about my nan the most. She’s super fun, fit, very supportive and I look up to her so much, oh wait that was four! She’s 88 years young but still acts like she’s 21 and comes to every event of mine including this one today. She still lives at home alone and drives by herself.
I love going to her house for sleepovers and before I get there, she always makes sure the lolly jar is fully stocked, she has ingredients for pancakes whenever I stay there, we always make pancakes for breakfast from scratch and she always has a beyond delicious meal planned for dinner. I really think she missed her calling and should have been a chef!
If I was being honest, I would say my nan is one of my best friends. Our bond began in 2013 when I was a couple of hours old she was the first visitor to the hospital and since then we have been inseparable.
I think everyone needs someone like my nan to make fun long lasting memories with, she always puts people and family before herself and gives the best hugs and kisses. Sorry mum!
I wish I could go on forever about this because my nan does so much for me and I find her so inspirational and kind hearted! I want to be like her so much because she is very fashionable, I’m guessing that’s where I got my awesome sense of fashion from.
Anyway, when I get to her age and have grandkids and great grandkids I definitely want to be as fun and independent as her so that’s why I dedicated my piece of writing to her.
Now to make the main character feel extra special and a little embarrassed please bear in mind she’s a bit deaf, could we please give Mrs Fay Kleehammer a big loud round of applause! Thank you and good luck to the next competitor speaking.