High School Speech for 2007-2008:
"Love What You See . . . Keep Georgia Litter Free"

Chris O'Connell's speech garnered top honors at the State, Regional and National Levels for the 2nd year in a row. His 2007 entry entitled "Preserve the World's Delicate Tapestry" earned him a $300 prize from GCG and a $1,000 scholarship from National Garden Clubs, Inc. Chris, pictured with State Youth HS Speech & Essay Chairman Dot Rouse, was sponsored by the Sandy Springs Garden Club in Dogwood District. He is entering the 11th grade at North Springs High School the fall of 2007. Chris delivered his speech to an admiring group of Garden Club members at the GCG State Convention in April 2007.

The Garden Club of Georgia is proud of our Speech winners. Let's start now to prepare for this year's contest. It takes adult help for these students to effectively compete—not to write the speech of course, but to help entrants understand the theme and complete their applications. Most entries received were from students who had been mentored by a garden club member who understood the rules and regulations. Find a relative, neighbor or friend and let your club, district and state shine in the High School youth awards!

Eligibility

Contests are open to high school students attending 9th through 12th grades. A single member garden club, group of member clubs, councils or districts, or a state garden club must sponsor the contest.

Length of speech should be between 6-9 minutes. Sponsoring club should supply audio cassette tape (not VCR) and manuscript. Students should be provided an opportunity to deliver their speech to a live audience for local and, if possible, state judging. Notes may be used. The theme for 2007-2008 is "Love What You See . . . Keep Georgia Litter Free."

Scale of Points (total 100)

1. Content (55)
   1. Knowledge of subject (25)
   2. Subject matter well organized (15)
   3. Practicality of proposal (5)
   4. Creativity and originality (5)
   5. Conformance to time (5)
2. Oration (35)
   1. Clarity and presentation (20)
   2. Voice inflection/enunciation (10)
   3. Emphasis (5)
3. Manuscript (10)
   1. Requirements (5)—wallet sized photograph, name, address, phone number, school attending, grade, list of activities, name of sponsoring club
   2. Neatness and legibility (5)—a plastic folder to keep manuscript neat

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