Early March 16, four Emmaus High School students took on the issues of vaping, animal rights, artificial intelligence and sense of community during a debate hosted by the Emmaus Rotary Club at Willow Lane Elementary School.

Each student had to argue their chosen subject based on the Rotary Club’s Four-Way Test speech contest:

•Is it the truth?

•Is it fair to all concerned?

•Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

•And will it be beneficial to all concerned?

As for the topic choices, they were carefully chosen by each student on a topic of importance to them.

“I chose something that I really believe in and something that I was comfortable with,” Amanda King explained. King chose the topic of animal rights.

Grant Gallagher spoke about the importance of having a sense of community.

“I felt it was easy to answer all four of the questions of the speech contest. And, I feel it is something that we need to know, really need to understand, because if we don’t have it, we’re going to fall as a society.”

Artificial Intelligence has been making headlines recently, with much public debate on its potential impact on youth and society.

For Rebecca Galius, it is an issue which needs to be addressed. “People have been using AI a lot so I think it’s an important issue to look at,” Galius said.

Emma Dela Cruz earned top honors at the event. She chose a topic both parents and teenagers have been dealing with in recent years, vaping.

“I see it in my school hallways. It has also affected personal relationships of mine. So that inspired me to speak up,” she said.

She also loves volunteering, something she has the opportunity to do as a member of the Interact Club, which all four students participate in.

For Galius, joining the club has been a positive experience. “I started by joining it in freshman year. I found it was a good opportunity for volunteering at events. And I liked their message.”

Gallagher admitted that “At first, I did it for the volunteer hours but then after, you know what, I just really liked doing it.”

For King, the club brings many community-based opportunities to get involved in.

“It’s the same idea of just being able to help people. Go around the community and do something you love,” she said.

The winners of each Rotary Club chapters of the area will debate each other April 6 at Willow Lane Elementary School, 6135 Sauerkraut Lane, Lower Macungie Township.