Students from Charlton Christian College, at Fassifern, and Toronto and Lake Macquarie high schools participated in the quest at Toronto Workers Club.

Toronto Lions Club spokesman John Steele said the teenagers presented a "delightful view of the emerging generation's ideas for the future".

Emily Charlton, of Charlton Christian College, was named Lions Youth of the Year.

She also won the Lions public speaking award.

Her chosen subject was design.

Gemma Driscoll, of Toronto High School, was crowned Lioness Youth of the Year.

She chose to speak about gender issues.

Entrants were also asked to give impromptu answers to questions about what they would do if they ruled the world, and why people keep pets.

Both girls received personal trophies, as well as perpetual shields to be displayed at their schools for a year.

Toronto High's Bailey Andrews won the Lioness's public speaking award for his presentation on songwriting.

The Youth of the Year winners will compete tonight at the zone level of the quest at Club Macquarie.

Winners from tonight will compete for the region at Toronto Diggers Club on Tuesday, March 10.