Granite Bay student wins AAUW Roseville South Placer speech contest

The American Association of University Women Roseville South Placer (AAUW-RSP) branch recently held a contest called Speech Trek, and the branch's First Place winner went on to compete in the statewide match. Area winner Annika Ravi, of Granite Bay High School, impressed the judges and placed second in the statewide event. Speech Trek is a speech contest that began in 2007 and was AAUW California's signature high school program. Next year, the statewide event will not renew. Despite the lack of state support, the Roseville-South Placer branch will continue the popular speech contest in Lincoln. "It's just one way our organization continues to aid local students," notes event chair Michelle Colletto. "Our upcoming Bingo Night, on August 13, helps bolster AAUW's mission of supporting these events and the education of women and girls," says Schelly Jensen, AAUW-RSP co-president. AAUW-RSP is able to sponsor events like Speech Trek and Tech Trek (a science camp for eighth grade girls), and offer college scholarships thanks to its active fundraising arm. The Bingo fundraiser will be held at the McBean Park Pavilion Building at 65 McBean Park Drive in Lincoln from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm (guests must be age 21 or over). Tickets cost $30 or $40 with taco dinner; to purchase go to lincolnbingo.com. "Have fun, win prizes, and support a wonderful organization that helps local kids from all over Lincoln, Roseville, and South Placer County," suggests Colletto. To learn more about AAUW-RSP, or to join, go to aauwrosevillesouthplacer.org.