Who: Open to the public
Where: Gallatin Co. Courthouse (old courthouse), 311 W. Main
When: 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: 74th Annual Declamation Contest for Rural Schools. This event is sponsored by GCBA in conjunction with the Gallatin Co. Superintendent of Schools. It consists of an essay or oral presentation competition for students in grades 6-8 attending rural schools in Gallatin Co.
THEME: Which reformer or activist from American history would be most effective leading change today?
RULES:
Declamation Options: Each contestant must select an option to enter. Contestants may participate in only one option in a given year. Entries must be the student’s original, previously unused work.
Option 1: Oral Presentation
An originally composed and recited 3- to 5-minute memorized speech.
Option 2: Written Presentation
An originally composed essay written at school under the direct supervision of a teacher.
Oral Presentation rules: Contestants prepare and present a speech on the theme that is entirely memorized. If necessary, a student may be prompted; prompts will count against the final score. The time for each speaker shall not be less than three minutes or more than five minutes in length. MORE or LESS time than allowed will disqualify the speaker. Each school may enter four contestants for participation in the oral declamation. All oral declamations will be presented and judged on the day of the contest.
Written Presentation rules: Contestants write on the theme for up to ninety minutes under the direct supervision of a teacher. The time may be split into two sessions; however, the essay must be completed in one day. It is the coordinating teacher’s responsibility to assure that these rules are followed, and the integrity of the contest is upheld. If the time is split, the teacher must retain possession of all entries and notes during the break. The paper is limited to 600 words. Essays longer than 600 words shall be disqualified. A bibliography must be included as the last page and does not count toward 600 words. Contestants must have done all research prior to the day selected for writing. The only documents the student is allowed to access during the 90-minute writing period are as follows: Direct quotes with citations. A simple hand-written outline. The teacher must verify that the student’s outline is not the actual essay, but a true outline. Notes containing facts necessary for essay completion. The only writing tools permitted for use during the 90-minute writing time are as follows: Handwritten essay—pencil and paper, dictionary; Computer or word processor essays—the student may use the spell/grammar check option; the teacher must verify that the student is using only the word processing program. Access to the internet, memory sticks, or previously saved work is not permitted and shall disqualify the student. Google Docs citation tool may be used (with knowledge of source before writing). The printing of the essay is not included in the ninety minutes. Each school may enter four contestants for participation in the written declamation.
PRIZES:
The first-place finalists will receive a trophy and either $500.00 cash (oral) or $400.00 cash (written). The second-place finalists will receive a trophy and either $350.00 cash (oral) or $250.00 cash (written). The third-place finalists each receive a trophy and either $200.00 cash (oral) or $100.00 cash (written).