High School Speech Contest
A contest for High School students in grades 9–12.
Cash awards are available at the Club and Area level contests.
$1,000 Grand Prize – District Level.
About the Contest
The Rotary District 5220 High School Speech Contest gives students, grades 9–12, an opportunity to develop and showcase their public speaking skills while exploring the value and impact of service.
The contest begins at the local Rotary Club level, with successful speakers advancing to Area competition and ultimately to the Rotary District 5220 Finals.
At each level, students have an opportunity to share their ideas with Rotarians and members of their communities. More than simply a speaking competition, the contest is an opportunity for young people to consider their own capacity to serve, lead, and make a lasting difference.
2027 Contest Theme
Community Service: Creating Lasting Impact in Your Community and in Yourself
This year’s theme invites students to consider what it means to give back to their communities and how acts of service can create lasting change not only for those being served, but also in the lives of those who choose to serve.
Students are encouraged to approach the theme from their own perspective. They might draw upon personal experiences, needs they see in their communities, people or organizations that inspire them, or their own ideas about how young people can make a meaningful difference.
Rotary’s guiding principle of Service Above Self reflects a belief that has brought Rotarians together for generations: when individuals give their time, abilities, and energy in service to others, they strengthen their communities and often discover that experience changes them as well.
Contest Dates & Locations
Rotary Club Contests: January 1–31, 2027
Area Level Contests: February 1–28, 2027
District Finals:
Saturday, March 20, 2027
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Merced Multicultural Arts Center
645 W. Main Street, Merced, California
District Speech Champion Presentation
Saturday, May 15, 2027
Rotary District 5220 Annual Conference
DoubleTree Hotel, Modesto, California
For Students & Families
Students compete at Rotary clubs close to their high school. Successful speakers advance from the local Rotary Club contest to Area competition and ultimately to the Rotary District 5220 Finals.
Speeches must be original and 5–7 minutes in length. As outlined in the official Speaker Packet, students are also encouraged to make at least two references to Rotary during their speech.
Speech Contest Resources
Contest Guidelines & Planning
Speaker & Participant Materials
Judging & Contest Personnel
Awards & Certificates
Club Award Certificates
Area Award Certificates