Speech Trek 2021

Special Thanks to Bob Perry for recording and editing the video

Eleven high school students delivered five- to six-minute original speeches during the annual Speech Trek competition on Feb. 18. The event, sponsored by the Big Bear Valley branch of the American Association of University Women, was conducted via Zoom.
First place went to Aubry Hirschhorn, who won $500. Kaylee Loomer was second, earning a $300 prize. Anika Holloway was third, and took home $100. The topic was “Has social media helped or hindered the breaking down of barriers for women and girls?”
Five judges and a timer participated in the event including Dena Arbaugh, Wendy Craig, Patrice Duncan, Teresa Georgi, Alan Lee and Bynette Mote. Big Bear High School teacher Colin Schour also provided support to the program. Speech Trek 2021 chair, Jana Bryant, said the committee of Marlene Cain, Steve Cain, Bob Perry and Laurie Wolfe also contributed to organizing the event.
Plans for Speech Trek 2022 are underway.

Public speaking skills are important for anyone’s career.  Speaking well gives a natural edge, whether acing a job interview or presenting ideas to co-workers.  BBV-AAUW encourages high school girls to develop these valuable skills by annually hosting the Speech Trek public-speaking contest.

Speech Trek Competition

High school students are provided a timely and relevant topic from which they develop a speech that is presented to a live audience and before judges who determine the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners. The first place winner then competes in the statewide AAUW Speech Trek competition.

Winners are presented with cash prizes.  The competition is filmed and the videos posted to YouTube.

The Branch has once again partnered with Bearly Speaking Toastmasters to co-produce the event.

Contact Speech Trek Chair Jana Bryant