Staff Report
Riggin Stonebarger, a senior at Churchill County High School, won the first round of Fallon’s local Lions Club Student Speaker Contest, held Thursday evening at Eagle’s Hall. Stonebarger earned the $75 top prize and will advance to the next round of competition scheduled for Feb. 18.
Five high school students participated in the contest, representing Churchill County High School and Oasis Academy. Contestants were required to deliver speeches of 5 to 10 minutes on climate change and global warming.
The annual student speakers contest aims to foster independent thinking and build public speaking confidence among youth. This year’s topics challenged participants to address current and future global issues, encouraging research and personal perspectives.
In his speech, Stonebarger discussed long-term planning for irrigation schedules in the Lahontan Valley, the local effects of human emissions on wildlife, and the impact of agricultural practices. He highlighted sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the region, including refuse burning, data center cooling ponds, and factories burning fossil fuels.
Stonebarger said educating the audience on complex topics was one of the most rewarding parts of the contest, noting that it allowed listeners to better understand and solidify their own views.
He credited his background in public speaking to extensive involvement in Future Farmers of America (FFA), particularly through judging activities. Stonebarger has also interned at Fallon Media Co. for the past nine months, focusing on local government and environmental reporting.
Following graduation, Stonebarger plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at a University of California campus and eventually attend law school, with aspirations to become a crisis manager in political campaigns.
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