President Gavin Walker and Judging PAnel Chair Philip West with the seven finalists in the Rotary Young Leadership Zone Final
The Rotary Club of Bangor hosted the District Zone Final of the Young Leadership Development Competition at Bangor Golf Club.
The Club winners from seven local Clubs, their parents, teachers and Club representatives gathered at dinner to learn who would be the three winners of the Zone Final.
Judges Philip West, Annette Bennett and John Irwin (Denroy Plastics) interviewed each of the candidates before gathering to agree on the winners.
Speaking in advance of announcing the three who would represent the Zone, judging panel chair Philip West said “I was promised an exhilerating, demanding and difficult decision-making afternoon – and I was not disappointed! The seven candidates were all outstanding and I can say without any fear of contradiction that choosing the three winners was a most difficult task.
“And in this instance there really aren’t any losers – only winners and runners-up.”
The winners were:
- Bradley Crooks Wellington College
- Sam Crooks Regent House
- Hannah Beattie Victoria College
In his remarks after the Awards Ceremony, John Irwin provided an overview of his career and encouraged young people to consider a career in business in the future. He added, “I didn’t know much about Rotary before this evening, but this is an outstanding programme and I would commend all of the Clubs for their work with young people.
“Northern Ireland business needs to identify leaders for its succession planning, and my experience of these young people today gives me high hopes that our future is in safe hands.”
In conclusion, President Gavin Walker thanked PP Stephen Connolly for once again organising and delivering an outstanding event which showcosed both the promise of our young people and the value of Rotary.