The Volusia County Farm Bureau invites young people to show their talents and earn some cash in the Annual Youth Speech Contest. The contest pays cash prizes and opens the door into regional and state-level speech competitions. For everyone’s health and safety, the 2021 Youth Speech Contest will be held online.
Students must be residents of Volusia County. Both public and home-educated students can participate. Participants must be at least 14 years old and not more than 18 by September 10, 2021. Farm Bureau membership is not required. There is no cost to enter.
The 2021 Youth Speech Contest theme is, “Agriculture impacts everyone’s daily life. What are three effective ways to educate young people about agriculture?”
Students must prepare and orally deliver a five-minute speech on the theme in front of members of the Volusia County Farm Bureau board of directors and other invited guests via Zoom on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at 7 p.m.
Winners are selected based on content, how well the student demonstrates knowledge of the topic, accuracy of information, effective delivery, clarity and expression. County winners receive $300, $250 and $200 respectively for first, second and third place. The first-place winner moves on to District competition. Winners of the District competition go to the State championship held during the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October.
Volusia County Farm Bureau is always on the lookout for talented young speakers. In 2020 the Volusia winner, Pranav Swaminathan from Spruce Creek High School won the state competition. Call Caroline Newby or Steve Crump at 386-734-1612 to register or for more information.