Okeechobee County Soil and Water Conservation District sponsors an annual speech contest, which is designed to develop leadership and stimulate interest in conserving natural resources.

ENTRY DEADLINE: April 13, 2023 

Eligibility

• Contest is open to public, private, parochial or home school students from 6th through 12th grade in Okeechobee County.
• A signed entry/release form is also required.
• Provided enough participation, the District contest may be divided into two grade categories (6th-8th & 9th-12th) with the highest overall scoring students from each category advancing to Area Contests.

Contest Topic:  “One Water” focused on the important role of watersheds

• Speeches must be original, not previously used, and created by the contestant. Notes may be used while speaking, but audio and visual aids of any form are not permitted.
• Winner of the local competition will be entered in an area competition (multi-District) and may then advance to the State competition. Highest scoring Area winner will advance to the State competition. Contestant may not wear attire that identifies them with any organization (e.g., FFA, 4-H, school logos).
• Time Limit – Speeches must be a minimum of five to seven minutes in length. Time under or over these limits, respectively, will result in two points deducted for each 15 second increment or part thereof.
• Judging – A standard score sheet will be used for all contestants. Three judges and one timekeeper will be used at district, area, and state competitions. Judges should be experienced in public speaking and should not be elected supervisors or staff. Judges will score entries based on the following criteria: 

Oral speeches will be presented at the Okeechobee Extension Office Conference Room, April 27, 2023 at 5:30PM. 

*Note to Teachers: Participation in this event would directly relate to Sunshine Standards, Language Arts, LA.C.3.4.1 and LA.C.3.4.2.

Linked below are links to the entry form and flier for 2023.