For the 68th year, the club will be hosting the local round of the California-Nevada Student Speakers Contest.

Students in grades 9 through 12 will speak about a preselected topic. This year the subject is "Is attitude the key to success?" So far students from Leland, Leigh, Santa Teresa and Gunderson high schools will participate in the event. Last year, student speakers talked about whether democracy is for everyone. The topics are chosen by a conclave of California and Nevada Lions Clubs.

Local winners move up a rung to compete on a broader multiple-district level, ultimately going head-to-head for the top title against other winners from California and Nevada.

Students can also win scholarships totaling $100,000. Last year's winner, Ryan Villanueva of South Orange County, was awarded a $20,500 Lions Club college scholarship.

This year the event will be held on Feb. 16 at The Atrium of San Jose (1009 Blossom River Way). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The contest will begin a half-hour later, at which point no one will be allowed to enter or leave the room until the speakers are finished.