Davis School District announced in a September 3 statement that students are invited to participate in the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest. The contest provides an opportunity for students to study the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and share a portion of one of his speeches through public speaking.
The contest is open to all students and features separate grade-level categories for each division. In the elementary division, students compete in three categories: Elementary K-2, Elementary 3-4, and Elementary 5-6. Each school may submit one student per category.
Secondary students compete in two categories: Junior High for grades 7-9 and Senior High for grades 10-12. Each school is permitted to submit one student per category.
Speeches must focus on a portion or excerpt from a single Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speech. Presentations must be at least one minute long but no more than three minutes long. Speeches may be presented in English or another language.
The district due date for speech contest entries is Nov. 2, 2026, with district judging scheduled for Nov. 16-17, 2026.
Prizes are awarded per category, with first place receiving $100, second place receiving $75, and third place receiving $50.
The contest allows students to engage with the ideas of Dr. King while developing public speaking skills and reflecting on messages of freedom.
