Florida District Exchange Americanism Speech Contest

The Americanism Speech Contest is one of the Florida District Exchange Clubs' most honored traditions. Since 1946, this contest has been dedicated to providing area high school Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors with an opportunity to address themselves to the opportunities and challenges of this country's democratic institutions, express their patriotic thoughts and ideas, hone their oratorical skills and self-confidence, and compete for scholarships. The contest offers a $1,000 scholarship at the local division level, with the local winner advancing to compete for a $3,000 scholarship at the State District level. Eligible students enrolled in the Manatee or Sarasota County School Districts must submit their application and speech by the deadline. The local Division 8 speech contest takes place at Keiser University on Lakewood Ranch, with the first-place winner advancing to the State of Florida District Contest held in Destin, Florida. The Division 8 Exchange Clubs sponsor the Division 8 winner by paying for one room night at the conference hotel, Friday dinner and Saturday youth luncheon for the student and one chaperone. This scholarship opportunity is specifically designed for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to develop their public speaking skills while exploring themes of American democracy and patriotism. Any previous first place winner of the state district contest is not eligible to compete again.