Rules of Competition
Speech Contest Application
The Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) has officially opened applications for the 2024-2025 Julia C. Black Memorial Speech Contest & Scholarship. Open to high school students in grades 9-12, this annual contest is an opportunity for young Floridians to showcase their speaking talents while learning about and promoting the state’s citrus industry.
This year’s speech topic, “Identify a Pivotal Moment in the Florida Citrus Industry, and How It Has Shaped the Industry Today,” encourages students to explore the rich history of Florida citrus. Students are invited to discuss significant events, whether catastrophic, legislative, or otherwise, that have influenced the industry's growth and stability, ultimately strengthening their knowledge and appreciation of Florida's citrus heritage.
The contest progresses through two levels—district and state—with district winners advancing to compete for substantial scholarship awards at the state level. District competitions will be held in January 2025, with the State Finals scheduled for March. Winners of the district-level competitions receive cash prizes: $100 for first place, $75 for second, and $50 for third. State-level awards include $1,000 for the first-place winner, along with hotel accommodations and banquet seating at the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in June. The second and third-place winners will receive $500 and $250, respectively.
Each speech, required to be original and between four and six minutes long, will be delivered before a panel of judges, followed by a three-minute Q&A session. Contestants are allowed notes, though points may be deducted if reliance on notes detracts from the speech's overall impact.
Interested students must submit a completed application by December 30, 2024. Applications are available on the FCM website and can be mailed or emailed to Melanie Burns, who is available to answer any questions related to the competition. This contest is a fantastic way for students to develop their communication skills, gain insights into the citrus industry, and earn scholarships to support their educational goals.
For additional information and application submission, please contact:
Melanie Burns
Florida Citrus Mutual
PO Box 1576
Bartow, FL 33831
Phone: 863-682-1116
Email: melanieb@flcitrusmutual.com
About Florida Citrus Mutual:
Florida Citrus Mutual is dedicated to supporting the state’s citrus industry and providing resources for its growth and sustainability. Through initiatives like the Julia C. Black Memorial Speech Contest & Scholarship, FCM fosters a new generation’s interest in Florida citrus, ensuring a thriving future for this vital sector.