Speech Contest

The Speech Contest invites all students in grades 9-12 to speak up for freedom. This year’s theme is focusing on “We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident” as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the ideals that shaped our nation. Students may speak on any aspect of the theme.*

Details

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Speech Contest Details

Students submit an online video of themselves giving a 5 minute special occasion oratory. Six finalists will be chosen to present their speeches and compete for monetary prizes and the chance to speak at the Patriotic Service at a location TBD.

This year’s theme focuses on “We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident” as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the ideals that shaped our nation.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: April 18

All submissions must support the primary values of: God, Family, Freedom, and Country

Theme & Resource Helps

This year’s theme is “We Hold These Truths to be Self Evident”. Students may choose to illustrate the purposes and applications of the Declaration of Independence and the ideals that shaped our nation as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of this document this year. This may include its history, adoption, and recognition of significant individuals involved. Or they may focus on any concept contained in the Declaration of Independence.

Theme Expansion Ideas:

Endowed with Liberty: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
Endowed by Their Creator: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
We Hold These Truths: Celebrating 250 Years of Civic Courage
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
A Foundation Built on Principles: Celebrating 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
Consent of the Governed: Celebrating 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
“We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor”: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
When in the course of human events: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
Instituting New Government With Its Foundation Built on Principles: Celebrating 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
Voices of Independence: Then, Now, Future

All submissions must support the primary values of: God, Family, Freedom, and Country

Website Resources:

Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the Constitution
America 250 Utah (K-12 lesson plans)
National Constitution Center
Bill of Rights Institute
Center for Civic Education
Center for Constitutional Studies, Utah Valley University: constitution@uvu.edu

Awards & Prizes

1st place – $1,200

2nd place – $600

3rd place – $300

3 Honorable Mentions – $150

Contest Rules

April 18 – Deadline for all speeches to be uploaded electronically.
Theme: “We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident” as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the ideals that shaped our nation.
Open to all 9th – 12th grade students.
You may use visuals or video with your speech.
Speech must be your own work (family or friends may critique your speech but cannot write it for you).
Time limit is 5 minutes (penalty if speech is too short or too long).
The speech should be positive and hopeful, expressing ideas on how to build America and patriotism, while discussing sound principles of freedom.
Professional dress is requested for presentation.
Decision of the judges is final.
Finalist speaks at the Patriotic Service.

How to Submit

Instructions:

Go to http://www.youtube.com/
In the upper right hand corner of the home page click on “sign in”.
If you have a google account you can login with that and go to the next step. If you don’t have a google login then click on “sign up for YouTube” and then fill out the necessary info.
Once you’re logged in click on the link at the top of the screen that says “upload”.
Click on the button that says “video upload” and then upload your video.

Make sure to fill out the Title and Description fields appropriately.
In the privacy section be sure to check the “Public” option.
Click on the save button at the bottom of the screen.
You may have to wait a while for your video to upload, after your video is done precessing go to your published video page.
Copy the url link and paste it in the filed on the submission form.