Ripley, 17, is Terang Lions Club’s candidate for the Lions Youth of the Year. After breezing through the regional section, she is representing the south-west at district finals in Ocean Grove this weekend.

The competition includes an interview and performing an impromptu and prepared speech. If successful, the Mercy Regional College year 12 student will win her way to the state final.

It’s a stage that Ripley, who talks about her life in Dixie for her prepared speech, never saw coming.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” she said.

Although she admits to getting “a little bit” nervous before competitions, she saw the youth of the year awards as a chance to develop her talents.

“I saw it as a good opportunity to build skills, especially interview and public speaking skills,” she said.