The 2024 Mary Kawakami Youth Scholarship Speech Contest “America, Our Country”
REGISTRATION IS NOW ENDED FOR 2024
Please come hear the speeches at the Valentine Theater in American Fork, 1pm on November 9th. FREE.
- Speech Training – Thursday, October 17th at 4:00 p.m.
- Entry Forms Due – Friday, October 18th
- Speech Contest – Saturday, November 9th at 1:00 p.m.
SCHOLARSHIP PRIZES TO BE AWARDED
- 1st PLACE……….……..$1,000.00
- 2nd PLACE…………….. $500.00
- 3rd PLACE………………$300.00
- 5 Recognition Awards.…$100
- The contest is open to Junior High School and Senior High School Students (ages 12-18) in North Utah County.
- Contestants must present their own original speech and must not have won a 1st Place award in any speech contest in the previous 12 months.
- All participants must arrive in time to be registered and in their assigned seats before the start of the contest.
- Speeches must be at least two minutes in length and no longer than three minutes in length. A timing device will be visible.
- Contestants will be judged on content, value, presentation, language and creativity.
- This is a live contest. There will be no video entries.
- Families and friends of the contestants are invited to attend the competition.
- Selected winners are invited to present their speeches at the Veteran’s Day Awards Program in November.
“America, Our Country”, the Mary Kawakami Scholarship Speech Contest has been going strong since 2003. The Timpanogos Arts Foundation and The City of American Fork have partnered together to hold the contest for Junior High and High School students in North Utah County. Their objective is to support young people with initiative, drive and a commitment to leadership. It is in this spirit that this speech contest allows students to eloquently address the freedom, heritage and beauty of “America, Our Country”.
Contestants have the opportunity to construct and present their own 2-3 minute speeches and have the chance to win scholarship prizes. Contestants are judged on content, value, presentation, language and creativity. Winners of the contest are invited to present their speeches at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony. This chance for you to be heard on stage is a very unique opportunity to share your personal message and stand for liberty, freedom and justice for all. With the number of applicants limited this year, we encourage you to enter online today to participate.
“America Our Country”, the Mary Kawakami Youth Scholarship Speech Contest has been going strong since 2002. In that time the Timpanogos Arts Foundation and the City of American Fork have sponsored the contest for Junior High and High School students in North Utah County. Our objective is to support those students with initiative, drive and a commitment to leadership. It is in this spirit that this speech contest allows students to eloquently address the diverse complexities, responsibilities and beauty of “America Our Country”.
Contestants have the opportunity to construct and present their own 2-3 minute speech and have the chance to win cash scholarship prizes. Contestants are judged on content, presentation, appearance and timing. Winners of the contest go on to presents their speeches at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony.
SAMPLE JUDGES FORM:
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity and privilege to have taken part in something so amazing. My love and respect for this Country has grown immensely and my ability to confidently speak about it has improved.” ~ Emma N.
“Thank you for providing this speaking opportunity for the youth in our community.” ~ Eliza A.
“I truly wanted my speech to make a difference. Thank you so much for such an opportunity to express my ideas. The competition was wonderful!” ~ Allison W.
“Thank you for allowing me to participate. I had a great time writing my speech and presenting it.” ~ Andrew O.
“I just wanted to thank you again for the support and for the opportunities with the speech contest. Thank you for everything!” ~ Hailey B.
“Thank you for all your time and effort that you give for this event. My son and I enjoyed the coaching session.” ~ Joy B.
“Both of our daughters really enjoyed getting to participate in the contest. Thanks for your involvement and efforts in such a great program.” ~ Karen W.
“The coaching session was such a wonderful resource.” ~ Melanie S.
“Thanks again for all the time and effort you put into this contest, it’s such a great learning opportunity for the kids.” ~ Heather E.
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