Speech Trek Contest By Ann Arneill
The 17th Annual Speech Trek contest will be held on Feb. 10, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Circumstances have arisen that result in the Speech Trek Committee deciding to have a virtual contest instead of an in-person one. Thus, we will hold the contest via Zoom. The link will be sent a few days before the event to those who have registered through EventBrite by clicking <here>.
Students from the Elk Grove Unified High School District will participate. The topic this year is, “If an educated population is essential to a nation’s prosperity, then how can we ensure a robust public school curriculum that is accessible to all and teaches historically accurate information?” Students will deliver 5- to 6-minute speeches for cash prizes. The contest will be judged by two of our long-standing members: Liz Jordan and Linda Paterson in addition to a professor emeritus in communication studies from CSUS.
The Speech Trek Committee just hosted the Speech Trek Challenge where AAUW members had stimulating discussions about the topic in small groups after hearing a background presentation orienting them to the subject. We encourage members to attend this event every year as a lead-up to the contest.
Since the contest is being held via Zoom, it will be very convenient for members to attend. We look forward to a robust turnout!
The Speech Trek Committee would like to expand its membership. Working on Speech Trek is very gratifying. You are helping high school students develop a skill that is no longer taught in public high schools. Public speaking will help them in their future schooling and their careers. There are a variety of tasks that committee members can do with varying degrees of responsibility. Please consider volunteering for this committee. Contact Sheri Beck or Ann Arneill – their contact information can be found in the Membership Directory.