The Annual Frederick Douglass public speaking competition is an annual event that commemorates the life and work of Frederick Douglass and celebrates scholarship, leadership and service at Alma. The purpose of this event is to teach scholars the power of public speaking and to provide a peak moment for Middle Schoolers that symbolizes their rising leadership at Alma.
All 6th-8th Graders are allowed to enter the public speaking competition. In order to participate, scholars must prepare to deliver a famous speech that is no more than three minutes in length. Each participant will prepare and give their speech to their crew. Each crew will then select one finalist to represent them at a grade level competition. Then, participants will compete at a campus level competition to determine which 2 scholars will represent their campus during the final network-wide competition. The final competition will be held on February 16th, during the week of Frederick Douglass’ Birthday.
The final competition this year will take place at the Douglass Campus in front of a panel of judges that includes local dignitaries, Alma faculty and Alma alumni. Finalist’ families will also be invited to the final competition. Speeches will be judged on persuasiveness, delivery, language and vocabulary.