Supporting schools and young people

Supporting schools and young people


School competitions

For many years, the Club has worked with primary and secondary schools in the area and, in particular, has run competitions for them, providing certificates and prizes.

The three main competitions in order of activity through the year are

  • Youth Speaks for primary schools and, with RC Truro, secondary schoolsin January and February


If you or your school is interested in taking part in, please look at the details of each competition on the "Related pages" with this heading or click on the highlighted words. We would be very pleased to widen participation in the Young Chef event.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

Each year the Club has also paid (all or some of) the costs of a young person aged 18 to 26 to take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) week, held annually in early July on Dartmoor. We are keen to hear from any employer who has a suitable candidate or anyone who can persuade their employer to support them in this venture.

Again, see the separate pages for more detail.

Supporting schools and young people sub-pages:

The second placed entry

Young Chef 2018-2019 at Richard Lander School

more Contestants cooked for 2 courses for one person in a limited time. They had to show their costings, meal plan, and menu to the judges. While they were cooking, Lee Trewhela did a live Facebook Stream and chatted to them on Cornwall Live/Facebook.

President David Hughes with the winners from Polwhele House School

Youth Speaks 2018-2019

more The 26th year of this competition, held for the first time in the new hall at Truro Prep School. Polwhele House School went on to win the western area round in Penzance, and came second overall in the District Final at Saltash on 16 March.

President Peter and the winners - Truro Prep School

Youth Speaks 2018

more The 25th year of this uplifting competition, this year held for the first time at Polwhele House School

Young Writer 2016-2017

more This year’s topic was ‘Reflections’, and entries could be in prose or poetry form.

Young Chef 2016 at Richard Lander School

more Six contestants took part in this year's school event, judged by local catering professionals Ben Harmer, chef at Penrose Kitchen, Shortlanesend, and Andy Chown of Fifteen, Watergate Bay,

Our 2015 candidate, Toby Matthews, receiving his certificate from President Bob Sturland.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2015

more The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is one of the most successful programmes run by Rotary clubs around the world. The RYLA programme particularly gives young people and young adults the chance to improve their leadership and communication skills.

The winning team, Truro High School

Youth Speaks 2015-2016: junior competition

more Once again, this year's competition was of a very high standard. The Devoran School hall was full of parents and supporters to hear seven teams take part. The first and second went forward to the Area heat in Penzance on 22 February..

Contestants, judges, and Rotary Club President Bob Sturland

Young Chef at Truro High School

more Seven contestants took part, with local judges Andy Appleton (from Fifteen at Watergate Bay),

A picture of concentration!

Young Chef at Richard Lander School 2015

more Six contestants took part in this year's school event, judged by local catering professionals Robbie Williams, chef at Penrose Water Gardens and Lily Tearooms,Shortlanesend, and Sanjay Kumar, chef at The County Arms and the School for Cornish Sardines.

Winners Devoran School team in action

Youth Speaks 2014-2015: competition for local juniors

more Once again, this year's competition, held at Kea School, was of a very high standard. The school hall was full of parents and supporters. Seven teams took part, with the first and second progressing to the mid-Cornwall Area heat on 10 February.

Such a talent!

Young Chef November 2014

more This year two schools competed - girls from Truro High School entered for the first time, with old stagers from Richard Lander School a week later. The winners went forward to the District competition in February 2015.

Winner Joe Hayes with judge Philip Oakes of Cornwall College

Young Chef 2014-15: District Final at R Lander School

more On 15 January 2015 Richard Lander School in Truro hosted the District Final of Young Chef for this Rotary year. Details were arranged by RC Truro Boscawen member Mollie Foster, supporting District Youth Service chairman, Jim Henderson.

The contestants, judges and organisers

Young Chef 2013-14: District Final at R Lander School

more On 29 January Richard Lander School in Truro hosted the District Final of Young Chef for 2013-14. Details were arranged by Boscawen member Mollie Foster, supporting District Youth service chairman, Colin Benney.

Youth Speaks 2013-2014: competition for local juniors

more This year's competition, held at Devoran School, was of a very high standard. As usual the school hall was full of parents and supporters. Seven teams took part, with the first and second progressing to the mid-Cornwall Area heat on 13 February.

Intense concentration required

Young Chef 27 November 2013

more The Club's annual visit to encourage the budding chefs at Richard Lander School took place on 27 November. Five students competed, with the winner going forward to the District competition in February 2014. The slideshow tells the story.

This year's entrants, all from Truro High School for girls

Rotary Young Writer 2012-2013

more For the second year, the Club invited entries at all levels to this competition. Truro High School for Girls entered in force and with success at local and District levels.