2026 Rotary District 5180 Speech Contest

Do you know a high school student who loves public speaking and wants to make a difference? The Rotary District 5180 Speech Contest is now open, offering students a powerful platform to share their ideas, sharpen leadership skills, and compete for meaningful prizes.

The Sacramento Club Contest will take place on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at 5:00 PM, hosted at the YMCA of Superior California Association Offices (1926 V Street, Sacramento, CA 95818). The event will be led by Sharna Braucks, CEO/President of the YMCA of Superior California, celebrating youth voice, civic engagement, and community unity.

Students will present a 5–8 minute speech centered on the Rotary theme “Unite for Good.”

• Notes are allowed at the Club Level

• One 3” x 5” note card is permitted at the Semi-Final Level

• No notes are allowed at the Final Level

Competition Timeline & Prizes

• Club Contests: January – March 13, 2026

  • 1st Place: $200

  • 2nd Place: $100

  • 3rd Place: $50

  • 4th Place: Club discretion

First-place club winners advance to one of four regional Semi-Final competitions held March 14 – April 18, 2026.

• Semi-Final Prizes:

  • 1st: $250

  • 2nd: $100

  • 3rd: $50

The four Semi-Final winners will compete in the Final Speech Contest on
Saturday, May 2, 2026 (Time TBD) at the Rotary District Conference
Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe (formerly Harvey’s Lake Tahoe)
18 Highway 50, Stateline, NV

• Final Prizes:

  • 1st Place: $2,000

  • 2nd Place: $1,000

  • 3rd Place: $500

  • 4th Place: $250

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Sacramento, this contest is an exceptional opportunity for students to build confidence, inspire others, and truly unite for good.