The Richard D. King Annual Youth Speech Contest is sponsored by all Rotary District 5170 clubs. The Rotary Club of Niles Fremont (home club of Richard D. King) sponsors the yearly Youth Speech Contest in the schools we partner with: Washington, Fremont Christian, and Robertson high schools. All high school students in Rotary District 5170 are eligible to enter the speech contest in their affiliated Rotary club.
Here is the video of the final contestants at the District 5170 Conference held in the Spring of 2016.
Each student may select their own topic which they feel is timely and of interest, and the speech must be the original work of the contestant. The content of their speech must relate to the Rotary International President’s theme for the year. This year’s competition addresses the 2015-2016 theme, “Be a Gift to the World.” In addition to this theme, the speech must also illustrate how youth is able to reach out to others utilizing the Rotarian’s 4-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?
The contest provides opportunities for the students to increase their personal knowledge and awareness of the importance of being able to speak effectively before a group. In addition, it provides an opportunity to increase public knowledge of what Rotary is and does throughout the world, especially among young people. Through this knowledge, we hope that they will learn, as we have in the past, “He who serves best profits most.”
Two finalists from each of our three sponsored schools will present their speeches at one of the Club’s weekly meetings. Community leaders — both Rotarians and non-Rotarians — act as judges, and financial prizes are award, with the hope that they will be used to further the student’s education. Criteria and guidance are provided to the students, including the annual theme, and constraints such as speech length, and any rules around what may be used or mentioned on stage. Judges are provided with evaluation criteria to be used during the competition. Club winners move on to the Area contest, and winners continue to move on to the Regional and District levels.
The Youth Speech Contest is a highlight for many Rotarians, in a variety of ways: they have the opportunity to hear the thoughts of today’s youth, to witness high-quality, engaging presentations, and to share in the accomplishments of students they know through their work with the on-campus organizations.
Students have the chance to address community leaders in a professional venue, while learning valuable skills that are needed across all types of careers and activities. This is a great opportunity for them to hone their speaking skills in a friendly and competitive environment. Our goal as Rotarians is to recognize and support these young people that will become tomorrow’s leaders.
For more information, contact our Youth Speech Contest Chairperson.