In Nevada County, traditions live in the little things, like shared meals, annual road trips and evenings spent together. This week local students brought those moments to life on stage at the Nevada Theatre.
Sixty 4th through 8th grade students from across Nevada County took part in this year’s 39th annual Speech Tournament, hosted by the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools. Students delivered heartfelt speeches centered on a simple but powerful theme: family traditions.
From holiday rituals and family vacations to weekly movie nights and annual fall color drives, students shared glimpses into the moments that shape their lives. What began as personal memories became polished speeches, shaped by practice, confidence and a bit of bravery.
In preliminary and semifinal rounds held March 13, students competed in a round-robin format, delivering their speeches three times to different judges. Each speech was timed between two and three-and-a-half minutes and was evaluated for both content and delivery. The strongest competitors advanced to semifinals, where they presented again before judges and a live audience.
By the time finalists stepped onto the Nevada Theatre stage March 16, they had already proven their skill. The final round brought a new level of pressure and excitement. Judges from Toastmasters International were seated anonymously throughout the audience, evaluating each speaker.
2nd row L-R: Adrian Botha, Tali Schulz, Gram Colby, Marisa Forbes, Hazel Honeycut, Casey Reed
Between speeches, Sandra Barrington, president of the Rotary Club of Grass Valley, entertained the crowd with stories of traditions from around the world, adding a global perspective to the evening’s local voices.
Tournament coordinator Shannon Rashby feels that the heart of the event isn’t the competition, it’s what students gain from the experience. “Every year, adults come up to me and say they remember competing in this tournament when they were young, and how much it changed them,” Rashby said. “For many students, this is a turning point. It’s that boost of confidence that helps them say ‘yes’ to the next leadership opportunity.”
This year’s finals marked the last for Ron Egnes, who is retiring after ten years as head judge. Looking back, he said what he’ll remember most is the strong sense of community behind the event.
“The student speech contest is one of the most amazing community events held in Nevada County. Equally impressive is the student’s community support group: teachers, administration, parents, grandparents, Rotary, Toastmasters, Nevada City Theater, The Book Seller, and Nevada County Superintendent of Schools, all working together toward a common goal.”
Awards were presented by Anita Daniels, one of the competition’s founders, as proud families and teachers looked on.
“Involvement in public speaking at such an early age has a positive impact on these students. Hats off to the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools office for supporting this tournament for the past 41 years!” said Daniels.
The tournament is sponsored by the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools with additional support from the Rotary Club of Grass Valley, Kathy Hillis of the Nevada Theatre Commission and The Book Seller.
The 2026 Speech Tournament winners are as follows:
4th Grade:
1st Place Blake Garvey Mt. St. Mary
2nd Place Hazel Honeycut Clear Creek
3rd Place Miki Gale Mt. St. Mary
5th Grade:
1st Place Harper Gallego Seven Hills
2nd Place Gram Colby Alta Sierra Elementary
3rd Place Hunter Herring Arete Charter
6th Grade:
1st Place Blake Salter Union Hill
2nd Place Eden Dunham Mt. St. Mary
3rd Place Madolyn Wilson Mt. St. Mary
7th Grade:
1st Place Austin Becker Mt. St. Mary
2nd Place Aila Tootoonchie Twin Ridges
3rd Place Adrian Botha Mt. St. Mary
8th Grade:
1st Place Taliesyn Schulz Mt. St. Mary
2nd Place Marisa Forbes Mt. St. Mary
3rd Place Casey Reed Magnolia