Torquay Lions Club’s Youth of the Year (YOTY) contest has returned after three years, with Annabel Dean taking the top spot and Public Speaking Award.
Annabel was among three Surf Coast Secondary College Year 11 students who made it to the contest’s public speaking phase that aims to bring forth the next generation of young Australians.
“I had surpassed my own expectations, and I was really proud of myself for breaking out of my comfort zone,” she said.
“I was challenged in a way I have never been before, and this sparked a new motivation to try new things and is something I enjoyed about being a part of the YOTY awards.”
Annabel will now go forward to the V2 Southwest Victoria District competition and then onto the national competition if she is successful.
“I am excited to see what the next round brings, as with these things you can never be too sure what to expect, but I think that’s what makes it enjoyable,” she said.
“The uncertainty of it creates an excitement inside of me and I’m looking forward to seeing how far I can push myself in this competition.”
When she isn’t studying or battling it out in the YOTY competition, Annabel enjoys spending time with her friends, playing music with her band, and watching or playing football.
“Music is a huge part of my life, and my friends all know that if I’m not sitting with them at lunch I am most definitely rehearsing with my band, Mr Hyde, in the music rooms,” she said.
“I am also a very passionate footy (AFL) fan, I play for the Anglesea women’s team and barrack for the western bulldogs. Footy gives me an outlet and allows me to just be active and have fun.”
