Conroe High students compete in Lions Drug Awareness Speech Contest
Rob Hamilton/ Conroe Noon Lions
Greetings to all Lions and readers. You know, with all that is going on in the world today, it is refreshing and reassuring to see young people who are willing leaders. Such was the case this past Wednesday with the Conroe Noon Lions Club’s annual Drug Awareness Speech Contest. Lion Hannah Medley and the committee presented three exceptional Conroe High School seniors out of 47 applicants. The topic was Xylazine. Never heard of it? Neither had I. Use of the illegal drug has grown significantly since the pandemic. Also known as “tranq” or “zombie drug,” Xylazine is a horse tranquilizer or sedative that is mixed with opioids or fentanyl to produce a drug which is resulting in lethal overdoses at alarming rates. Our contestants were Roman Fuller, Acocia Williams, and Katherine Quarles. All three gave an informative five to seven- minute speech on all aspects of Xylazine. As finalists, all three received $1,000 scholarships. Lions voted Katherine Quarles the top orator. She receives an additional $1,000 and will advance to the Lions District competition. Well done students, and best wishes for your college matriculation.
Pileco and Olde Magnolia Place RV Park were recognized as this week’s Community Partners. A heartfelt thank you to both. Lion Ricky Morton was awarded December - Lion of the Month for his work in gathering up prizes and manpower for the Lucky Derby fundraiser. It’s the annual event where we raffle off a Buckalew Chevrolet. Lion Bill Miller won the door prize provided by Lion Connie Engle. Also, we need Lions to sign up to bring a weekly door prize - beverages, baked goods, gift cards, etc.
In case you have not gotten back into the swing of things in 2024, let me give you a little run down. Lions Andrew Perry and Hannah Medley led a throng of Lions at the Community Assistance Center this past Saturday performing a variety of fixer uppers. Today, Lion Connie Engle and her committee are also conducting a vision screening there.
The Legend of the Lion – Dinner/Dance & Auction is on Thursday, February 15, at the Lone Star Convention Center. The theme is ‘It’s Lion O’clock Somewhere’, music provided by Hanna’s Reef, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. Tickets are $125 each for an evening of fun, dinner, dancing, and spending. Lion Sandy Apostolo is hustling auction items. Lions need to step up and give her a hand by donating an item or seeking a donation. We also need members to help with set up and decoration on Wednesday, February 14. There is no meeting on Valentines Day, so give us a hand for a while before you hit the town with your sugar-pie.
The Bob Dowden Dinner benefiting the Texas Lions Camp is Friday, January 26, at the Hilton Houston North. Lion Shelia Thomas and her committee are working hard to make this a night to remember. Tickets are $75 each. The District 2-S2 Mid-Winter Conference is the following day. You can sign up online for both.
Lastly, a new member orientation is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 5:30pm at the club office. First Vice-President Lion Bryan Rennell never disappoints with his presentation. Attendees can earn points towards a blue Lions Club badge. Shamwow!
Lions Club President Jason Miller’s mantra for the year - “we don’t have to, we get to.” If you are not a Lion but are looking for an organization that embodies “We Serve,” then visit on Wednesdays, noon, at the Lone Star Convention Center. For more information about the Conroe Noon Lions Club, please visit our website, www.conroenoonlions.org, or call the local club office at 936-760-1666.
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