By Krista Brassfield
Maddie Taylor, a senior at Kirby School, a private school in Santa Cruz, took the first step to winning a scholarship for college by winning a local competition sponsored by the Capitola Coast Lions Club.
She competed in the club level contest on Feb. 10 at the Capitola City Hall, advanced and won the County contest, advancing to the Region level where she finished runner-up.
Maddie Taylor
The theme was: ‘Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?’
A panel of judges evaluate the speaker’s originality, main points being supported by evidence, conclusion, emphasis, voice control enunciation, pronunciation, sincerity, enthusiasm, poise, cohesive effort, logic, organization, speaker persuasiveness and adhering to the topic, “AI Friend or Foe?.”
“I enjoyed doing research on this topic and loved expressing my views and ideas on this platform,” said Maddie. “I am fascinated by the topic as my father works in tech and therefore, I took a stronger look at AI and the direction it is going.”
She believes there are not enough controls and regulations to protect the identity of those being abused by the ‘deep fake’ uses of AI and she hopes to one day play a role in making a difference in how AI uses could be better regulated.
“Maddie was very impressive and polished in her delivery of each of the rounds of her speech,” said Fred Flint, Student Speaker chairman for the Capitola Coast Lions Club.
Maddie has a passion for politics, law, business, marketing, and branding. She has a background volunteering and working as a nanny. She is an accomplished Eagle Scout in Troop #673 and has experience as a leader through programs such as National Student Leadership Conference and Scouts BSA.
On April 24, she was invited to join local radio talk show host Jeff Bosshard on Santa Cruz Voice to discuss AI and where she is headed next. She is considering studying political science at either Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, or Occidental College in Los Angeles.
Capitola Coast Lions Club President Keaven Shine said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Kirby School
“It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about current events. I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their views and skill.”
Students who advance to District and Area contests and reach State competition have the opportunity to win scholarships.
California Lions Clubs sponsor the program to emphasize the importance of public speaking as a critically important life skill to young people.
The Capitola Coast Lions will hold their annual fundraiser, the Santa Cruz Restaurant Walk, to support programs like these and to garner proceeds for their joint organization the Common Roots Farm. The Santa Cruz Restaurant Walk will be 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 28.
One can peruse and enjoy delectable bites and libations from 20 establishments in downtown Santa Cruz for $40 per Passport. Buy Passport at Eventbrite.com or come the day of the event to Kiantis Pizza and Pasta Bar at 1100 Pacific Ave. in Santa Cruz or contact Krista Brassfield at [email protected].
The Capitola Coast Lions meet the 2nd Monday of every month at the Common Roots Farm at 5:30 p.m.
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Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.35 million members in 210 countries. View more inspiring stories at www.md4lions.org
