Paulina Bennett was named the first place winner and Christina Hermenegildo as second-place finisher in the Ceres Rotary Club’s annual student speech contest.

Third place winner was Jade Harrel.

Receiving honorable mentions were Audrey Trethewey and William Silva.

The three students delivered their speeches – themed on the topic of “Be the Inspiration” – at noon at the Ceres Community Center.

Bennett moves on to the Rotary’s area contest to be held in Ceres on Friday, Feb. 7. Bennett was presented with a $125 check and Hermenegildo $100. Harrel received a check for $75.

Jade Harrel, a student at Ceres High School, was the first speaker.

The second to speak was Audrey Trethewey who attends Whitmore Charter High School.

The third speaker, William Silva of Argus Continuation High School, mentioned how he wants to be a nurse.

Fourth in the roster was Central Valley High School student Christina Hermenegildo.

Paulina Bennett of Central Valley High, delivered the last speech of the afternoon which impressed judges who gave her the highest score.

Rotarian Bryan Nicholes said all the students in the contest were “all winners to be here today.”

The winner of the Rotary District 5220 Area 12 speech contest on Friday afternoon will go on to the state level contest.