The art of speaking well in public is perfected through years of practice and begins with experiences like the District 7610 Speech Contest for high school students.

The speech topic changes each year, usually echoing the theme of the current Rotary International President. The 2009-2010 theme is a difficult topic for a speech, so Governor Horace McCormack approved use of the traditional Rotary motto: Service Above Self.  Speech Contest finals will be held in late March 2010.             

Students in grades 9 – 12 from across the District are eligible to participate in preliminary contests sponsored by local clubs early in the year.  With three opportunities to deliver the same speech (at the club, area, and District level), the winner receives a $1000 check from the District Governor, second place receives $500, and third is awarded $250. The District Speech Contest will be held March 13, 2010, at 9 a.m. at T. Benton Gayle Middle School, 100 Panther Drive,  in Fredericksburg. The winner is then hosted by the sponsoring club and will speak at the District Conference, which will be held in Williamsburg from April 29 to May 2, 2010.             

Chair Julie Franklin said club presidents will begin receiving reminders about the Speech Contest early in September, and she urged clubs to contact school sponsors early. Typically, contact is made with school Interact sponsors or directly with the principal.

All rules and forms needed to conduct club and area contests are on the District website (see Resources, at left).