Requirements 

Contestants are required to deliver a 4 to 5-minute speech around the theme:

 “I, Too, Am America…”

The theme is from Langston Hughes' poem, “I, Too, Sing America.”

Application: 

Contestants are required to submit an online application and a video of their speech no later than

 Sunday, January 9, 2022 to:

  https://forms.gle/EhFAVuzxb5gDEBkb8

Student video submission file request folder:

https://www.dropbox.com/request/2cReoarLPv494OV0EiY7

Students will be notified by Monday, January 17, 2022.

The practice/coaching session is scheduled for Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at 

The Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center, Inc.,

555 Alliance Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078

A   Zoom practice session will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2022, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. if needed.

Awards:

16 contestants will receive an award. 

The top six students (three middle and three high school students) will be required to

present their speeches on the day of the competition to determine the first, second, and third place winners.

1st place in each category:

(middle and high school contestants) $500 each

2nd place in each category:

(middle and high school contestants) $300 each

3rd place in each category:

(middle and high school contestants) $200 each

Plus the top 10 runners-up:

(5 middle and 5 high school contestants) will receive $100 each

Scholarships are payable to the student. All contestants must be present to receive their award. 

 Scholarships are awarded by a sponsor. 

No donations or grants are used to fund the awards.

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Rules

➢ Contestants must be a Harford County resident

➢ Contestants must be in grades 6 through 12. Homeschooled students are eligible.

➢ Contestants must show a valid school ID or proof of age.

➢ Contestants must deliver a speech that incorporates the official theme, “I, Too, Am America…” and use the phrase in their speech at least once.

➢ Speeches should be inspirational. No politics or offensive language is allowed.

➢ Speeches must be at least 4 minutes but no more than 5 minutes in length.

➢ A contestant will be penalized a point if the speech is less than 4 minutes or over 5 minutes. This penalty will be determined by the official timekeeper.

➢ Props, special costumes, clothing, or prompters are not permitted.

➢ Speeches must be delivered in English.

➢ Copyrighted or quoted material must be verbally identified.

➢ Contestants must prepare his or her own speech.

➢ Notes are not authorized.

For additional information, please call 443-939-0366.

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