Speech Contest
High School Speech Contest
Cash Prizes Up To $1,750
Topic:
How can I be an instrument of Peace? – Prepare & Deliver a five-minute speech which relates this topic to your life, school and Rotary values. High School Age Students Only. Memorization not required. Refer to contest documents below to register.
Rotary Values:
- Service Above Self - philosophy of unselfish volunteer service
- Fellowship
- Integrity
- Leadership
Rotary also believes in the Four Way Test-
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and better FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Meaning…. what would happen if you take the fundamental ideals of Rotary (Service, Fellowship, Integrity, Leadership) and apply them to being an instrument of peace. How would that change your (and everyone else’s) outlook on interactions between you and your friends, other students you meet for the first time, your teachers and school administrators. How would these simple questions shape your interactions with others. Think about it, and come up with a Five-minute speech on how these ideals would increase respect, tolerance and understanding for one another.
Club Round 1 – Prize $200 – Compete against other South Burlington residents on Thursday, February 19th at 7:00 pm at the South Burlington High School Library
Area Round 2 – Prize $300 – Round 1 winners compete against area students. Time & location TBD (prior to March 28, 2025 in Northern Vermont).
District Round 3 – Prize $500 for the two finalists – Up to eleven other contestants from other Areas’ Round 2 Contests. Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 am at Northern Vermont University, Lyndonville Campus in the Moore Community Building.
District Round 4 – Prize $750 Winner – Two Contestants from Round 3 will speak at District 7850 Conference. A $500 Runner-Up prize will also be awarded. Saturday, June 13 at 11:00 am. Location is the Hotel Estrimont, Orford, Quebec, in Canada. Runner up prize for this round = $500.
Speech Contest Rules, Registration Form and Other Contest Documents can be found at:
South Burlington Rotary Club contact Charlie Lawrence:
Call or Text 346-313-0321 Email at geochazman@gmail.com
Rotary District Contact Dona Bate:
Call or Text 802.229.1111 Email at dbatespeaking@gmail.com
2025 Winner - Abigail Lynch (second from right)
Contest Documents
Contest Poster - Basic information about the contest.
Contestant Registration Form - Fill this out and send it to Charlie Lawrence
Contest Rules - Details of the contest, Pay Attention!
Contest Judge Sheet - This is how contestants will be determined