MONMOUTH – The Monmouth Lions Club Speakout 2004 was held at the Rise and Shine Bed and Breakfast, formerly a home of the Woolworth estate, Route 135.

The Monmouth Academy students placed as follows: Laura Manduca, “Why Are You Eating Poison,” first, $45 and a trophy; Andrew Bellmore, “Serenity,” second, $35 and a trophy; Tyler Jackson, “Decline of American Cinema,” third, $25 and a trophy.

The judges were Lions Amber McCabe, Russell Chase and Jim Paradis. Questioners were Lions Fred Ackley and Gerhardt Miller. At the end of each speech, the contestants were evaluated in three categories: delivery of speech, material in speech and response to questions.

The students were under the direction of Monmouth Academy coaches Scott and Cathy Foyt. Each was presented a Lion of Maine Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation shirt in appreciation. The foundation has the only guide dog school in New England.