February 26, 2026
Kingaroy State High School captain Charlie Sparks has been named the Kingaroy Lions Club’s Youth of the Year.
The Year 12 student, who will now represent Kingaroy at the regional finals of the prestigious competition, was presented with his award after impressing the three independent judges on Wednesday with his interview responses and impromptu and prepared speeches.
Charlie hopes to study mechanical engineering at the University of Queensland after he finishes high school.
St Mary’s Catholic College Year 12 student Angus Riley – a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Australian Army Cadets’ 14th Battalion – was presented with the Public Speaking Award for his impressive impromptu and prepared speeches.
Compere Bruce Jay said the Lions Youth of the Year program was established in 1964 with the aim of developing and honing participants’ interview, networking, personal interaction and public speaking skills, as well encouraging them to “think on their feet”.
“As students leave school and enter employment or further education, such skills will be invaluable tools in establishing career paths,” he said.
Nine Year 12 students took part in the Kingaroy Lions Club competition: five from St Mary’s and four from KSHS.
The speech components were held in the White Room at the Kingaroy RSL Club on Wednesday evening before an audience of family members and friends.
Earlier in the day, the students were interviewed by the judges at the South Burnett Enterprise Centre.
The volunteer judges were South Burnett CTC CEO Jason Erbacher, former Kingaroy and Murgon high school teacher Karen Mead and former Kingaroy bank manager Michael Barrett.
Jason said it had been a pleasure to get to know the students and hear their views and the challenges they wanted to put to society.
He said they had not shied away from tough topics, including mental health and intergenerational inequity.
Jason said the students had spoken with passion but had also emphasised kindness and its importance in shaping society.
The regional finals of the Lions Youth of the Year competition will be hosted by the Gympie South club on March 28.
