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As soon as 17-year-old Nathanael Barlow took command of the podium and began to speak, the packed room fell silent.
His speech challenged the popular notion that “money buys happiness.”
Barlow cites a personal example where he won a year-long music competition and $5,000 prize, after performing at the Apollo in New York City, amateur night. “The joy I felt had nothing to do with the money. My happiness came from the thrill of performing, from the passion of my craft, and the journey that led me there.”
Watch Rotary Four-Way Speech contestant, Nathanael Barlow at Chestnut Hill Rotary Breakfast Meeting.
Barlow, accompanied by his parents, Jeneen and Omar, has been singing and composing music since the age of four. He is currently studies vocal music at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts. He is also a student at the Settlement Music School where he is studying opera and piano.
The Roger Taylor Rotary Speech Contest is a competition for high school students to illustrate the Rotary Four-Way Test. Students prepare and deliver a five to seven-minute speech. The test is to ask the questions when making decisions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Chestnut Hill Rotary meeting packed with members and guests.
The contest helps students by nurturing ethical decision-making, developing writing and public speaking skills, and empowering advocacy for causes they care about. It is free for students to enter, and the top winners receive cash prizes. The competition is named after Roger Taylor, who died in 2022. Taylor served as District Governor in 2021-22 and worked tirelessly to encourage students to apply to the competition.
After completing his speech, members and guest offered feedback and encouragement. “Your presentation was excellent! You are incredibly comfortable in getting up in front of a podium and you exude confidence,” said member Cathy Brzozowski.
Barlow will compete with other high school students in the Rotary Southeastern PA District on April 12 for the Semi-finalist on Zoom, and if selected, perform live with two other Finalists on April 26 at Rotary’s Celebrating Our Youth Day in Folcroft PA. Brzozowski recommended that Barlow practice on Zoom to get ready for the next level of the competition.
At the end of the meeting, members and guests were treated to Barlow singing the winning 50/50 ticket numbers.
Everyone wishes him great luck with the rest of the competition!
