Chico High Students Compete in Lions Club Speaking Contest

Junior Riley Taylor advances to district level after winning local competition

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Chico Breakfast Lions Club held its annual student speakers contest on Tuesday evening, with two students from Chico High School competing. Senior Francisco Alesanfreni and junior Riley Taylor took part in the event, with Taylor emerging victorious and earning a spot to advance to the Lions district level competition in April.

Why it matters

The Lions Club student speaker contest is a long-standing tradition that provides local high school students an opportunity to develop their public speaking skills and compete for scholarships. Taylor's win at the local level means she will now have a chance to potentially advance all the way to the state competition.

The details

During the contest, the two Chico High students delivered prepared speeches on a topic selected by the Lions Club. After the presentations, the judges selected Taylor as the winner based on criteria such as content, organization, delivery, and overall effectiveness. As the local champion, Taylor will now move on to the next round of the competition at the district level in April.

  • The Chico Breakfast Lions Club held the student speakers contest on Tuesday evening.
  • Taylor will advance to the Lions district level competition in April.

The players

Francisco Alesanfreni

A senior at Chico High School who competed in the Lions Club student speakers contest.

Riley Taylor

A junior at Chico High School who won the local Lions Club student speakers contest and will advance to the district level competition.

Dicey Parks

The president of the Chico Breakfast Lions Club, which hosted the student speakers contest.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Taylor will compete at the Lions district level competition in April, where she could potentially advance to the state level.

The takeaway

The Lions Club student speaker contest provides a valuable opportunity for local high school students to develop their public speaking skills and compete for scholarships. Taylor's win at the local level demonstrates the caliber of talent in the Chico community and the importance of programs that foster student growth and achievement.