Each year the Freedom Festival Speech Contest gives rise to expressions of patriotism from students in 9-12th grades throughout the nation. This year's theme focuses on the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights*. Deadline is March 27. Students may choose to speak on the purposes and applications of the First Amendment that may include its history, adoption, and recognition of significant individuals involved. Or they may speak on any concept or specific freedom included in the First Amendment such as the Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Freedom to peacefully Assemble, and Freedom to Petition the Government. Students may also apply the First Amendment protections to current or historical situations and court cases.
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CONTEST RULES
- March 27 – Deadline for all speeches to be uploaded electronically.
- Theme: First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
- Open to all 9th – 12th grade Utah students.
- You may use visuals or video with your speech.
- Speech must be your own work (family or friends may critique your speech but cannot write it for you).
- Time limit is 5 minutes (penalty if speech is too short or too long).
- The speech should be positive and hopeful, expressing ideas on how to build America and patriotism, while discussing sound principles of freedom.
- Professional dress is requested for presentation.
- Decision of the judges is final.
- Finalist speaks at the Patriotic Service.
Important Note
When filling out your Contest Entry Form, you will be asked to upload a file with your contest entry. At the very beginning of the form you will see the following notification:
“The name and photo associated with your Google account will be recorded when you upload files and submit this form. Not xxxxxxx@gmail.com? Switch account”
This is a security measure, implemented by Google, to make sure no one anonymously uploads files or other items that are not appropriate or safe. Because it is a Google security feature, the file uploads only works for Gmail users. If you have do not have a Gmail account, you will need to use a friend or relative’s account, or open a Gmail account for your file submission.
