One of Rotary's key commitments is to support the personal development of young people. The Club has, for many years, organised a public-speaking competion for primary school pupils in and around Thornbury. Each school teaches is pupils how to preparing and deliver a short talk about one of their interests or experiences to their fellow pupils. Two Rotarians, together with a member of staff, judge the competition.. The winner is invited to represent the school at a grand final, usually held at the end of the school year The club is grateful to the many teachers who over the years, made time in their busy schedules to encourage hundreds - possibly thousands - of their pupils to build confidence in the art of public speaking. Every participant receives the gift of a dictionary.