April 1

Speech Contest

Win Up to $600!

The Speech Contest invites all students in grades 9-12 to speak up for freedom. The theme is the First Amendment of the Constitution. Students may speak on any aspect of the theme.* The deadline is April 1.

Apr 1

Provo

How to Submit

Speech Contest

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.

Students may choose to speak on the purposes and applications of the First Amendment that may include its history, adoption, and recognition of significant individuals involved. Or they may speak on any concept or specific freedom included in the First Amendment, such as the freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to peacefully assemble, and freedom to petition the government. Students may also apply the First Amendment protections to current or historical situations and court cases.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: APRIL 1

2020 Contest Winners: Freedom of Religion

2021 Speech Contest Winner: First Amendment

Abraham Olenslager

2020 Contest Winner

McKya Anderson

Contest Rules

April 1 – Deadline for all speeches to be uploaded electronically.
Theme: First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Open to all 9th – 12th grade Utah 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.

Registration and Submission

How to Upload to Youtube

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.

Download the Educational Events Poster

Download here: Educational Events Poster 2025

Submission deadline – April 1

Click to Download the Supplementary Material

Click to Download the Theme Prompt

Click to Download the Theme Ideas

Awards & Prizes

1st place - $600, 2nd place - $350, 3rd place - $300, 3 Honorable Mentions - $100

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