"Mental Health Matters" Speech Contest
February 24, 2026 - (Snow date is March 3, 2026.)
Nixon Forensic Center, Fulton, MO
Check-in at 6:00 p.m.
Judging begins at 6:30 p.m.
Students must pre-register by January 30, 2026.
"Mental Health Matters" Speech Contest Entry Form
Send completed forms to Marty Martin-Forman at marty44martin@gmail.com or text forms to 573-220-1440.
Speech Guidelines
All speeches must be on a subject related to mental health. Examples can include a
specific mental illness, substance use/abuse, how to improve mental health for
individuals or the system of care etc. Speeches should be informative and persuasive.
Fifth and Sixth Grade Speeches
Speech Length: 1-3 minutes (point deductions for going over 3 minutes or being less than 1 minute).
Must include one quote and one statistic related to the subject matter.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Speeches
Speech Length: 3-5 minutes (point deductions for going over 5 minutes or being less than 3 minutes).
Must include one quote and one statistic related to the subject matter.
The top five speeches from each age group will give their speeches in the auditorium.
Prizes
Fifth and Sixth Graders:
First place - $150 and a medal
Second place - $100 and a medal
Third place - $50 and a medal
Fourth and Fifth places receive Honorable Mention and $10
Seventh and Eighth Graders:
First place - $200 and a medal
Second place - $150 and a medal
Third place - $100 and a medal
Fourth and Fifth places receive Honorable Mention and $25.