Hopkinton Lions Speech Contest winner Ryan Dharbanga (left) and runner-up Eva Bennet stand alongside Hopkinton Lions Club President Mike Tarsi.

At the Hopkinton Lions Club’s annual High School Speech Contest on Dec. 6, Hopkinton High School senior Ryan Dharbanga took first place, with HHS junior Eva Bennet the runner-up. The topic was “Environmental Crisis: Fact or Fiction?” Contestants were judged on delivery, effectiveness and text of speech. In addition to winning the $200 first prize, Dharbanga advances to a regional competition this month.

“We were very honored to have six local students carve out time from their busy schedules to participate in our yearly Lions Club Speech Contest,” said Lions Club President Mike Tarsi. “The quality of all six presentations was outstanding, and the students deserve the highest commendation for their preparation leading up to the contest.”

This marks the 40th annual Massachusetts Lions Youth Speech Contest. For more information, visit hopkintonlions.org.