RUHS Soph Is Runner-Up In Contest, Wins $800

Lauren Soares, daughter of Chris and Laura Soares of Randolph Center, in her first foray into the world of competitive speaking, was the runner-up in this year's Rotary District Speech Contest.

Lauren first won a spirited round before the Randolph Rotary Club, which sponsored her. Then she won at two other venues. She became runner-up by competing earlier this year in the All- District competition, which encompasses northern Vermont, southern Quebec, and parts of northern New Hampshire.

In winning a total of $800 for her several victories, she follows in the footsteps of another RUHS student, Jane Seymour, who also had great success over two years as a student sponsored in Randolph Rotary's contest. Lauren said she'll be back next year.

At RUHS, the teacher who has recruited and trained the speech students is English teacher Tina O'Donnell.