Students can win cash for speech – sign up now

The Volusia County Farm Bureau invites young people to show their talents and earn some cash. Each year, the local Farm Bureau hosts a Youth Speech Contest. The contest pays cash prizes and it opens the door into the regional and state-level speech competition.

Who qualifies to compete? Students both in public schools and home-based schools can apply to participate.

The student must be a resident of Volusia County.

Students must be at least 14 years old and not over 18 years of age as of September 9, 2022.

No Farm Bureau membership is required.

There is no cost to enter.

The 2022 Youth Speech Contest topic is “In addition to food and fiber, what other positive impacts in your local community can be attributed to agriculture?”

Students must prepare a five-minute speech on the selected topic and orally deliver it in front of members of the Volusia County Farm Bureau board of directors and other invited guests at the Volusia County Farm Bureau office, 3090 E. New York Ave., DeLand on Monday, April 11, 2019, at 6 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-level winners will move on to the District contest.

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 at the end of October. Prizes there are $500 for first place and $250 for second. Previous State winners are not eligible to compete again.

The Volusia County Farm Bureau is always on the lookout for talented young speakers. Call Caroline Newby at 386-734-1612 to register or for more information.