Speech Contest
June 2026,
We, Debi and Mark, will continue for another year given our passion for youth and especially for the Richard D. King Annual Youth Speech Contest.
The goals for this year continue to be the same since we have had the honor of leading the District Youth Speech Contest (DYSC) Committee:
- Increase Club participation.
With the passing of Rick King, we believe that one of the best ways to honor him would be the “participation” of every club in the district contest. This could take the form of any (or all) of the following:
- Conduct a Club Contest
- Partner with another club to conduct a contest
- Host one of the “joint” Area Speech Contests or the Southern/Northern Regional Speech Contest
- Participate in the DYSC Sponsorship Program (In fact, the $25 sponsor level is low enough to enable all clubs and D5170 Rotarians to participate.)
- Establish a self-sustaining model for funding leading prize awards for the participants.
The DYSC Sponsorship Program has begun to accumulate funds in a restricted account in the District 5170 Charitable Foundation. This enables the commitment to higher prize levels at the beginning of the Rotary year, prior to the collection of sponsor funds for that year. As “excess” funds are collected, budgets will be proposed to provide more support for leading prizes, as well as support for clubs that have not been able to fund their own contests in the past.
Participation:
In the fall, Club Presidents and Youth Service Chairs will receive a request for their Club Speech Contest information, to which they must respond to participate. (CLICK HERE to commit to a Club Contest by January 24, 2027.) Finally, with regard to the “joint” Area and Regional Speech Contests, as plans are finalized with the Areas and Clubs in early 2027, the information will be updated in Key Dates.
Key Points:
- The 2026–27 schedule is reduced by about 2 weeks, as the Speech Contest Finals will be on April 17, 2027, at the 2027 District Learning Assembly. However, please note that there will be no contests scheduled during the three weeks of Spring Break.
- The theme of the contest will continue to be the Rotary Motto, Service Above Self.
- With the District having 12 Areas, the Area Level contests will consist of “joint” Area Contests, which will be organized to balance the number of clubs participating to ensure a more fair contest for the speakers.
- The minimum Club Prizes are $150 for first, $75 for second, and $25 for all other participants. (CLICK HERE for more information about the cash prizes.)
- For 2026–27, the Club will not be charged the annual fee of $175. (Thanks DG Geeta.) Every Club now has the opportunity to fund the awards for a Club Contest and/or to participate in the Sponsorship Program.
- Debi Pavelcic-Bischoff, DYSC Chair 2021-27
- Mark Linsky, DYSC Vice Chair 2021-27
 | Debi Ann Pavlecic-Bischoff Niles (Fremont) District Youth Speech Contest Chair Contact |
 | Mark S Linsky Pleasanton North District Youth Speech Contest Vice Chair Contact |