2026 America 250 Speech Contest

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, we want to hear what YOU love most about our country!

Answer the prompt: What do you love most about America — and why does it make you proud?

Required Submissions

To complete your submission, please include the following uploads when prompted:

• Speech Transcript

• Speech Recording Audio File

  • 3-5 minutes for Grades 3-5

  • 4-6 minutes for Grades 6-8

FDI America 250 Speech Contest — Official Rules

1. Speech Transcript

   • Must be a complete and accurate record of every word spoken in the speech.

   • The transcript will not be judged for spelling, punctuation, or grammar.

   • Must be typed and clearly legible.

2. Speech Recording

   • Must be an audio-only recording (no visuals permitted).

   • Recording must be clear and understandable.

   • Must follow the time minimums and maximums for each division of grade levels.

3. Content Requirements

   • Speech must directly address the contest prompt.

   • All content must be appropriate for a school setting.

4. Submission Requirements

   • Name the transcript file First Name Last Name Transcript

     1. For example: Jane Doe Transcript

   • Name the audio recording file First Name Last Name Recording

     1. For example: Jane Doe Recording

   • All information on the application must be truthful, complete, and correctly formatted.

   • Both the transcript and the recording must be submitted together by April 20th.

5. Disqualification

   • Submissions that are incomplete, inaccurate, unclear, or incorrectly formatted will not be accepted.

   • Students are prohibited from plagiarism or the use of generative AI.

Non-School Sponsored Activity Notice: By submitting this application, both student and parent acknowledge that this contest is not sponsored by your student’s local school. The contest is administered by the Florida Debate Initiative.

Photography Notice: By submitting this application, both student and parent acknowledge and approve of any photography and videography, including audio. Parent and student authorize the images and recordings to be used by the Florida Debate Initiative for promotional and educational purposes.

If you have any questions, concerns, or specific needs, please contact us at speechcontest@floridadebate.org. If any changes occur to the information submitted in this application, please message speechcontest@floridadebate.org.

As you complete this form, you will be asked to provide email addresses. Do not use a school email (as many have prohibitive firewalls) and verify that all email addresses provided can receive mail; we use email to communicate with applicants and others– please check your spam folder and add speechcontest@floridadebate.org and learning@floridadebate.org to your safe sender’s list.

Student's Mailing Address

Confirmation of Original Work: Both parent/authorized adult and student certify that the speech is an original work of the student and was not created using generative AI. I understand that failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification. Parental Consent: I confirm that my student and I have thoroughly reviewed this form, the associated documents, and the expectations for the America 250 Speech Contest. I give permission for my student to fully participate.

Liability & Emergency Consent: By signing below, I acknowledge the inherent risks associated with educational experiences. I release and hold harmless the Florida Debate Initiative and their affiliates, employees, agents, and staff from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from participation.

Media Release Form (Sign & Submit)

Consent and Photo/Video Release Form: I have read, understand, and accept the terms of the photo release as indicated by my signature below.

Authorized Adult (Parent/Guardian, Educator, or Coach): By signing your name below, you confirm you have obtained the parent/guardian’s permission to submit on the student’s behalf and you agree to support the student’s full participation in this program.

Please SUBMIT this form ONLY ONCE.