The Kentucky Rough Riders, a club dedicated to the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, is pleased to announce the Kentucky Rough Riders Public Speaking Contest.
The contest will be open to student in all high schools in Daviess and surrounding counties. Each participating school may submit up to three contestants for competition.
The contest will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2015,
in the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center
Owensboro Museum of Science and History
122 E. Second St., Owensboro KY 42303
INCENTIVES AND AWARDS:
• Cash prizes for the First-, Second- and Third-Place Winners will be awarded in the amounts of $500, $200 and $100.
• Winners will also be invited to deliver the speech to a civic organization in Owensboro
• Sculpture bust of Theodore Roosevelt for First Place Winner
• Personalized keepsake awards will be presented to all participants
• Development of oral communication, research, and interdisciplinary skills necessary for civic leadership, social awareness, and success in business and professional realms
APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE IS APRIL 17, 2015
CONTEST RULES AND GUIDELINES:
• Speeches must be original; however, consultation with teachers and resource persons is encouraged.
• Students may consult note cards, but with all speeches, eye contact with audience and familiarity with the content is required.
• Speeches are to be five minutes in duration. Speeches significantly longer or shorter will be penalized in judging.
• Because this is a public speaking and not an acting contest, participants may not act a role as in a stage production. Costumes and props of any kind are NOT permitted.
• The content of speeches is restricted to topics related to Theodore Roosevelt. The speech may focus on historical context or may relate to contemporary issues. The following topics are provided as suggestions. However, topics are NOT limited to this list:
• The Square Deal
• “Trust Busting”
• Consumer Protection
• Civil Rights
• The Nobel Peace Prize
• Issues of Race
• Immigration
• Military Preparedness
• Progressive Politics
• Foreign Policy
• The Arts and Sciences
• The Congressional Medal of Honor
• Citizenship
• Nature, Conservation and Preservation
• How TR changed the office of President
• TR as a champion of the Strenuous Life
• TR as NYC Police Commissioner
• TR as President of the United States
• TR as explorer and adventurer
• TR as family man
• TR as author
• TR as cowboy
• TR as Rough Rider
• TR as naturalist
• TR and the media
• TR – The legend vs. the reality
JUDGING:
The First-, Second-, and Third-Place finalists will be selected by a panel of judges composed of educators, community leaders, and members of the Kentucky Rough Riders.
Criteria will include effective communication of ideas, proper use of voice and articulation, originality, significance of topic, accuracy of facts, and adherence to time limit.
TEACHERS AND COACHES:
If you have any questions regarding the contest or need advice and assistance in preparing for the contest, please contact Angela Gunter at [email protected] or (270) 952-1691.
Each school should select up to three contestants and submit the entry form attached on or before the deadline of April 17, 2015.
Entry form and contest information is posted on the Kentucky Rough Riders website: http://kyroughriders.wix.com/theodoreroosevelt
CONTACT: Angela Gunter [email protected] (270) 952-1691
