Next Theodore Roosevelt Public Speaking Contest in March 2009!
Theodore Roosevelt Public Speaking Contest 2009
Commemorating the Life and Legacy of America’s 26th President
The registration deadline has been extended to February 13th. All entries should be postmarked by February 13th.
Held every two years
Open to all High School students (grades 9-12) in Western New York.
Focus on Theodore Roosevelt’s life or presidency
Five (5) minute time limitation for speeches
Judging based on originality, accuracy and presentation
For the Resource Material Guide, click here.
Questions? Contact:
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
641 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14202
716-884-0095
www.nps.gov/thri
Sponsored by the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
Co-sponsored by the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, with additional support from J. Warren Perry, Ph.D. and Paul Ciminelli.
ANNOUNCEMENT
THEODORE ROOSEVELT PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is pleased to announce the return of an exciting project for high school students - the Theodore Roosevelt Public Speaking Contest. This biennial event has previously been held in 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007 for area students. Students are challenged to develop, organize and communicate ideas relating to the life and career of President Theodore Roosevelt using critical thinking, independent research and proper speech.
The contest offers the following incentives:
- Development of oral communications, research and interdisciplinary skills necessary for civic leadership, social awareness and success in business and professional endeavors.
- A better understanding of issues and events in local and national history.
- Cash prizes as follows: First Place - $1,000; Second Place - $500; Third Place - $250
To receive an entry form, click here. For a copy of the Resource Material Package, please click here, or call the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site at 716-884-0095. All registrations must be received by the TR Inaugural Site by February 6, 2009.
Our thanks to contest co-sponsors the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society,J. Warren Perry, Ph.D. and Paul Ciminelli.
PURPOSE
The Theodore Roosevelt Public Speaking Contest is sponsored by the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site to encourage students in the development of public speaking skills. These include developing, organizing and communicating ideas, critical thinking, independent research; proper speech; and an understanding of the interrelationship of various disciplines. Public speaking skills enable students to expand academic potential, promote scholarship, and build confidence, self-reliance, social awareness and leadership ability, which will help them to achieve success in the business and professional world.
BACKGROUND
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site was created by an act of Congress on November 2, 1966. Opened to the public in 1971, the Site is an historic house museum commemorating the September 14, 1901 inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt as twenty-sixth President of the United States in the home of Ansley Wilcox. The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site offers educational programs for grades pre-K through twelve. In addition to the Public Speaking Contest, the Site also sponsors an annual Theodore Roosevelt "Young Historians" Essay Contest for junior and senior high school students.
SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF CONTESTANTS
Students in all public, private, parochial and charter schools in Western new York are eligible to participate, as well as home-schooled students residing within the region. Each participating high school or home-school association may select one or two contestants by whatever method school administration considers most appropriate. Since preparation is the key to success, schools are urged to make their selection and commence coaching and preparation as soon as possible.
Unless the TR Inaugural Site is notified by the school principal of a formal selection process to select contestants, registration will be taken by the TR Site on a first-come, first-served basis.
Schools are also encouraged to have their participating students present their speeches in school assemblies and classes so that the knowledge and themes they have researched and developed will be shared with a broad group of students.
ENTERING THE CONTEST
Every high school is encouraged to be represented in the contest. Please submit an entry form which includes the name of both the contestant and the coach. To receive an entry form, please click here or call the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site at 716-884-0095. Submit forms to:
Mark Lozo
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
641 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
DATE AND TIME OF CONTEST
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
All registrations must be received by the TR Inaugural Site by February 6, 2009.
SEMI-FINALS:
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
FINALS:
Sunday, March 29, 2009, 1:00 p.m.
Schools will be assigned a specific session for the semi-finals. Coaches will receive the date and time for their particular schools.
The semi-finals and finals will be held in Buffalo, NY at a location to be announced.
AWARDS
- Each participant will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
- First prize winner will be awarded a cash prize of $1,000.
- The First Prize Winner will also receive a commemorative bust of Theodore Roosevelt.
- Second prize winner will be awarded $500.
- Third prize winner will be awarded $250.
RULES AND GUIDELINES
- Speeches must be original. However, consultation with teachers, coaches or other resource persons is encouraged.
- The content of the speech is restricted to topics on the life, policies, beliefs, and/or career of Theodore Roosevelt.
- Speeches must be memorized. They may not be read from a manuscript or cards, nor may notes of any kind be used
- Speeches must be approximately five (5) minutes in duration. A 30-second grace period will be allowed, but speeches shorter than 4 ½ minutes or longer than 5 ½ minutes will be disqualified
- Costumes and props of any kind are NOT permitted.
- Speakers are not permitted to leave the stage during their presentations.
- Previous First Prize Winners are not eligible to reenter.
- The following topics may be considered. These suggestions, however, are not intended to be limiting in any respect. The speech may be in historical context or may relate to contemporary issues.
Theodore Roosevelt and...
Conservation
The Navy
Politics
"Trust Busting"
The Nobel Peace Prize
Congress
Consumer Protection
The Bull Moose Party
Domestic Policy
Foreign Policy
The Arts
The Sciences
Western New York
The Pan-American Exposition
Theodore Roosevelt as...
Champion of the Strenuous Life
New York City Police Commissioner
Governor of New York State
President of the United States
Explorer
Family Man
Author
Politician
Rough Rider
Cowboy
Civil Service Commissioner
Assistant Secretary of the Navy
New York State Assemblyman
Naturalist
JUDGING
The finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of judges composed of educators, community leaders and representatives of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.
Criteria will be weighted in the following order of importance: accuracy of facts, demonstrated mastery of topic, effective communication of ideas, proper use of voice and articulation, and originality.
ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE
The Resource Material Package is specifically designed to assist contestants in their preparation. It includes a study guide, bibliography and other pertinent materials on Theodore Roosevelt. To receive a copy of the Resource Material Package, please click below, or call the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site at 884-0095.
If you have any questions regarding the contest, please call Mark Lozo, Education Director, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site at 716-884-0095.
Link to Resource Material Packet
Link to entry form
