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Wesley wins Ripon Rotary contest
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Ripon winning speech came from Shannon Wesley, second from right, who will compete at the Ripon Library Thursday at 7 p.m. against speakers from nearby Rotary Clubs. Pictured from left is club host Frances Taylor, Joshua Angel, Bailey Broker, Shannon Wesley and Zachary Angel. - photo by GLENN KAHL

Shannon Wesley – a Ripon High senior – took first place in the annual Ripon Rotary Speech Contest at Spring Creek Country Club.  

Wesley and the other contestants spoke on the theme, “Dream, Act, Win, Now.” Her speech was titled ”Changing Lives.”

Wesley took home a check for $125.  Second place winner was Bailey Broker who received $100, Joshua Angel took third with a $75 check and his brother Zachary Angel finished fourth receiving a check for $50.

The first place winners from regional clubs from Tracy to the Manteca clubs are scheduled to compete Thursday night in the Ripon Memorial Library on Main Street.

Wesley has been associated with the California Scholarship Federation for four years, Girls League for three years and the Link Crew for three years. The Link Crew is a group dedicated to the incoming freshman students at their school. Wesley has served as a peer tutor for her four years at RHS.  She has been involved with varsity tennis for four years and volleyball for her tenure at Ripon High – with two years on the varsity team.

She has also served as the founder of “Cause for Pause” at the Ripon Animal Shelter – serving the needs of animals there for the last two years.  She is also a Relay for Life team member over the last four years, also volunteering with the Ripon Quarterback Club. 

The contestants in this speech contest can win up to $1,300 for success in the club level to the area and district events that end in Sacramento later in March.  The first prize winner in the area contest at Ripon Library who may continue on to the district contest may win prizes from $500 to $1,000.

The second place winner Bailey Broker.  The only speaker from Ripon Christian, she presented a thought provoking speech to the Rotarians at their noon lunch.  During her high school years she has won a series of awards in basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis and cross country.  Bailey is also a member of her school’s debate team.

“Changing Lives,” the Rotary International President Ron Burton’s theme was the topic selected by Rotary District 5220.  Frances Taylor of the Rotary Club of Ripon is the contest chair for the local club and area competitions.  The Rotary district includes 54 clubs in communities throughout the northern San Joaquin Valley and The Mother Lode.