NEWRY — MacKenzie Kelley, a junior at Monmouth Academy High School, won the state SpeakOut competition May 14 at the Sunday River Resort. The contest was sponsored by Maine Lions, District 41.

Kelley’s speech was on colorectal cancer, the devastating effect on family and prevention suggestions. Kelley is interested in journalism and would like to pursue a writing career when she graduates in 2012. Kelley was presented with the first place plaque and a check for $500. She was sponsored by the Monmouth Lions Club.

Kayleigh Morin, a senior at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington, was the second place winner of the competition and was presented with a plaque and a check for $300. Morin spoke of her love of photography and plans to attend the Art Institute in New York when she graduates. She was sponsored by the Farmington Lions Club.

Zebb Duffany, sponsored by the Harrison Lions Club, spoke on the 30% dropout rate in high schools and suggested actions to reduce that figure. Duffany, a senior, won third place. He was awarded $200 and a third place plaque.

Honorable mention awards of $50 each went to the remaining three speakers. Curtis Willard, a senior at Massabesic High School, spoke about the worth of pennies and was sponsored by the Acton-Shapleigh Lions Club. Willard plans to attend the University of Southern Maine and study computer sciences in the fall.

Abigail Mahoney, a junior, spoke about the depletion of marine species. Mahoney was sponsored by the Freeport Lioness-Lions Club.

Emma Elizabeth Larsen-Sorterup gave a speech on pro-life. She is a freshman and was sponsored by the Darmiscotta Newcastle Lions Club.

The six contestants were all first place winners in their regional competitions earlier this year. The contest is held yearly by the Lions Clubs in Maine and is open to any full time student who is under the age of 19 by the end of December of that year.