Winners of the Yearly Speech Contest

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Winners of the Yearly Speech Contest

Congratulation to Our Club Finalists in the 2026 Speech Contest.
Theme: Unite for Good.  Fostering Unity and Positive Action

CLUB LEVEL - Monday February 9, 2026:  Our Dream Team
 

 

At our February 9th club meeting, our club hosted the 2026 Rotary Speech Contest.  This year's theme, "Unite for Good," inline with the current Rotary International message.  Seven very talented 11th and 12th grade students from Delta High School delivered their speeches with passion, insight, and impressive poise.  Their thoughtful perspectives and confident presentations made the event truly inspiring.  President Tim Cook led an engaging and welcoming meeting as each student confidently took the podium to showcase their hard work and public speaking talents.

Special thanks to Charles Van Riper for his continued support working alongside River Delta High School staff to help guide and prepare these outstanding students for the annual competition.

Congratulations to our 2026 Club Champion, who will proudly advance to represent our club at the district-level speech contest. Runner-up and back-up, will be ready to serve should need be.  We wish them the very best as they continue their Rotary speech journey.

The top three winners will advance to the Rotary District competition. We wish them the very best.  We would like to thank Mr. Van Riper for managing and coaching the dream team.
Individual photos: Bianca Romero, Genesis Atrisco, Brianna Rivas.
 
Good Luck to our Rotary Club of Walnut Grove representative
 
The District Level Speech contest will be held in March.
March 19, 2026
5:30 pm
Sacramento Children’s Home
2750 Sutterville Road
Sacramento, CA
 
The Final Speech contest will be held May 2, 2026 in Tahoe at our District Conference where the stakes were higher, and the cash got bigger. 
May 2, 2026
Time: TBD
Rotary District 5180 Conference
Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe
18 Highway 50
Stateline, NV.
 
 

Congratulation to Our Club Finalists in the 2025 Speech Contest.
Theme: The Magic of Service

DISTRICT LEVEL UPDATE - Saturday March 29, 2025:
 

After placing first place in our local 2025 Club Speech Contest, Yenedith Martinez continued on to place third at our District Level.  Please join us in congratulating our Club Speech Contest winner, Yenedith Martinez, for earning Third Place at the District level! This is an incredible achievement, and we are so proud of her dedication and talent.

We also want to recognize all the contestants for their outstanding speeches and efforts throughout the competition. Each student showcased remarkable skill and passion, making this a truly inspiring event.

You can listen to the speeches at the following links:
Eliza Phillip, First Place, Folsom Lake Lunch Rotary Club    https://youtu.be/EBbb8ndmXuA  
Angelyn Gonzales, Second Place, American River Rotary Club   https://youtu.be/lg8wH5rRWWQ
Yenedith Martinez, Third Place, Walnut Grove Rotary Club   https://youtu.be/y7x9DEn025s
Aiden Berg, Fourth Place, Gridley Rotary Club  https://youtu.be/N-m7Yrbq2Pw

 

 
CLUB LEVEL - Monday February 10, 2025:
 
Congratulations to our 2025 Speech Contest contenders.  At our February 10th meeting, 7 talented students delivered their passion and insight in great style.  Our Speech Contest Chair and Past President, James Fowler conducted a great meeting while each student provided their speech to our Rotary Club.  Many thanks to Charles Van Riper, River Delta High School teacher and fellow Rotarian for working with school staff assisting these up and coming students in preparation for this event.
 
Yenedith Martinez (12th grade), was awarded the Club's First place award and will continue on to the District Level on Saturday March 29, 2025 at our District Conference.  Thank you to all the students who participated.
 
 

Congratulation to Our Five Club Finalist in the 2024 Speech Contest.
Theme: Create Hope in the World

Students of Delta High presented their speeches today at the Rotary Speech contest. The students interpreted the topic Hope with great deal of creativity and feelings. Beautifully, they weaved it into bonding amongst community, families and their beloved pets. Immigrant experience, education and team sport camaraderie all served as beacon of hope. Congratulations to them all for such a great performance.
From left President James, Lauren Lawlor (12th grade), Yenedith Martinez (11th grade), Gustavo Castro (11th grade), Elias White (9th grade), Angela Gonzalez (11th grade)
March 4 2024
 
 

Congratulation to Miguel Romero and the 3rd Place District Level Win
Theme: Serve to Change Lives

Miguel placed 3rd at the 2022 Rotary, District 5180 Level, Semi-Finals, Speech Contest in Elk Grove.

With the support of AG Teacher Anika Neeley and Walnut Grove Rotarian and Committee Chair, James Fowler, there is no question Serve to Change Lives was witnessed.  Thank you all!

 

Congratulation to Our Four Club Level Finalist in the 2022 Speech Contest:
Theme: Serve to Change Lives

Rotary Committee Chair, James Fowler, and President, Jan LeRoy present the certificates and checks to the four finalist in our yearly Speech Contest.  Thank you very much for bring the younger side of life to our Rotary meeting.