Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 19, Number 14, DeMotte, Jasper County, 4 March 1949 — DeMotte Youth Rotary Winner [ARTICLE]

DeMotte Youth Rotary Winner

Bill Unzicker, H. S. Senior, Defeats Three Competitors In Annual Discussion Contest Rotary’s annual discussion contest was held during the club’s regular meeting yesterday with two young men from Rensselaer high school and two from DeMotte high participating. On the general theme of “Rotary and World Peace,” the contest was won by Bill Unzicker, a senior at DeMotte high. Through -courtesy of Ira Searcy, Bill will receive a new suit of clothes. Second prize was awarded to Kenneth Butler of Rensselaer high, and he was handed a check for 20 dollars from the local Rotary Club. Judges found that competition was extremely close, and honorable mentions were given the other two contestants—James Tyler of Rensselaer and Russell Hunter of DeMotte. The four speakers, each developing his theme in from seven to ten minutes, were introduced by the Rev. Ralph Smith. All speeches were prepared by the contestants. Talks stressed the fourth object of Rotary—the advancement of international understanding and peace. The speakers emphasized that the word “foreigner” was on the way out, that there are only neighbors and friends in other countries. The Young orators also diobussed increasing breakdown of prejudice, the international network of Rotary in 80 countries, Rotary’s international relief projects, foreign-student exchange, etc. Guests were Paul Stangle, DeMotte principal, and William Martin, Rensselaer high school speech instructor. During the meeting, Kenneth Allman welcomed into Rotary membership L. K. Foster, manager of the Sears store.