David Jones Persuasive Speech Contest

Contest Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 3 pm
 

The contest theme is "Speak for a Cause". Each contestant will choose a charitable organization to advocate for. A list of pre-approved charitable organizations can be found in the Contest Application Packet.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the finalists. 1st place $500, + $500 to the winning charity, 2nd place $250, 3rd place $100, and $50 to each additional finalist.

• Contest Application Packet - Application deadline Friday, April 25, 2025 by 5 pm
• Participants must be current Parkland students who are enrolled in or have completed, a Communication (COM) course offered at Parkland College.
• Students prepare and present an original 5–8 minute persuasive speech advocating for a good cause - their chosen charitable organization.

Contact Jody Littleton for more information at jlittleton@parkland.edu or 217/351-2532

Dr. David M. Jones

David Jones was the beloved chair of the Fine and Applied Arts department from 1988 until his death from cancer in 2002. He was a remarkable man who was a great friend, mentor, and colleague. This annual speech contest honors his memory and his spirit. He cared deeply about student success and that is why we honor David’s memory with a student speech contest.

If he were here today he would probably say to you, “you can do this—now get going.”

2023 Contest Winners

First Place ($500) Preston Bollman

  Challenged Athletes Foundation

"Not only did I get to talk about an amazing charity, but I gained confidence in myself as well. When I first heard about the contest, I never even thought about it because I was too afraid to talk in front of a large crowd. After the contest was over, it wasn’t about the money or the first-place finish, it was about overcoming my fear and allowing people to hear about this amazing charity. I wanted to spread the word about the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and that is exactly what I did. I hope to carry this confidence into any future speech and to just remember to have fun."

Second Place ( $250) Rebecca Steinbach

 Make A Wish Foundation

Third Place ($100) Abigael Johnson

 CU at Home

“Being someone who has never done any kind of public speaking before outside of school and is also taking school completely online, I was quite anxious going into this contest. However, defeating my anxiety through COM 103 and with my instructor’s help made it possible for me to advocate for a great cause and participate in this
charitable contest. I think anyone who takes COM 103, online or in-person, should participate in this contest because, while being honored is great, speaking for a cause and taking the first steps to become an advocator in your community are even greater virtues that help make the world a better place.” 

Fourth Place ($50) Hannah Null

 Earth Justice