Students ‘Dare Mighty Things’ in speech contest
Daniel Li and Simon Lal, both from John F. Kennedy High School, presented speeches on the topic, “Dare Mighty Things” as part of the speech competition held by the Rotary Club of Pocket/Greenhaven in February. Li won the competition and will advance to the next level in the regional competition. Left to right, Li, Lal and Rotarian Judy Foote. / Photo courtesy
Li, a JFK sophomore, is interested in psychology and enjoys music, especially playing the guitar.
Li’s speech began with the thought that people today, especially teenagers, often “dare” to do things for fame, money or the thrill of the experience. This concept has been promoted through many reality shows currently on television. He suggested that this has led to broken bones, brain damage, and other types of physical harm, as well as no recognition.
He proposed that this type of “high” is fleeting and another direction is needed to do “mighty things.” After mentioning various service opportunities that can make lasting changes, such as helping the homeless, feeding the hungry or working with an organization like Rotary to help eradicate polio, he left the audience with a challenge: Dare to Dream that your efforts can make a difference.
