2026 Speech Trek Contest
Our branch is hosting a speech contest for all California high school students on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Pacific Highlands Ranch Library. The contest will start at 10 a.m.
https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/pacific-highlands-ranch-library
The topic is Artificial Intelligence – What does the Future look like? Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants. The contest is open to the first 10 applicants.
Do you know a high schooler who may be interested? Contact us at aauwboard@gmail.com for more information.
Note: Starting with the upcoming 2026 competition, Speech Trek is no longer a California AAUW sponsored event.
AAUW California
2025 Speech Trek Contest
Four competitors presented 5-6 minute speeches on the public policy topic:
“Climate Change is happening. The effects are widespread and touch upon almost all aspects of our life on this planet. Select one area of impact and explore the effect climate change is having on women in the USA, and around the world.”
First place winner, Aditya Kumar, represented our affiliate in the State Semi-final contest. Thanks to all of the participating students.
2024 Speech Trek Contest
In February, five competitors presented speeches on the public policy topic:
“How can we ensure a robust public school curriculum that is accessible to all and teaches historically accurate information?”
Our first place winner, Shreeya Patel, from Del Norte High School, represented our affiliate in the statewide Speech Trek Competition on April 27th. We are happy to announce she was awarded SECOND PLACE! She will receive a prize of $1,000.00 from AAUW-CA. Congratulations, Shree!
Shreeya’s speech and the first and third place state winners’ speeches can be found at: https://www.aauw-ca.org/2024-speech-trek-results/
Congratulations to all competitors.
Speeches from previous years can be viewed on YouTube by searching “Speech Trek” followed by the year (ie Speech Trek 2021, or Speech Trek 2019)
2023 Speech Trek Contest
Nine students from local high schools competed in our 2023 branch competition. They spoke on the topic:
“How can communities, organizations and citizens of all ages help protect and expand voting rights?”
First Place went to Cecelia Choy from Mark Keppel HS and tied for second place were Khushi Patel from Rancho Bernardo HS and Yuvraj Anand from Francis Parker School. Cecelia will move on to the AAUW California state semi-finals to compete.
Contestants and judges for Speech Trek 2023
Congratulations to our winners of Speech Trek 2023!
AAUW California
2022 Speech Trek Contest
Congratulations to our Poway-Penasquitos Branch Speech Trek winner, Kristine Sy, for her 1st place win in the California State competition on Saturday, April 30th!! The contestants spoke on the topic:
“Has the US lived up to its pledge of liberty and justice for all? Would requiring the study of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a high school setting help ensure liberty and justice for all?”
Karen McGurk, Kristine Sy, Gloria Ing and Marie Dye
We were fortunate to have Kristine and two guests attend the branch’s General meeting on Saturday May 14th. In addition, we had the pleasure of meeting her coach, Gloria Ing, who mentored two previous branch winners, Dominique Ruedaflores and jay Wang. Gloria shared an update on the previous winners and thanked the branch for our support of the youth in our community.
2021 SPEECH TREK Winners
Vidhi Kulkami, 1st place branch winner of 2021 Speech Trek
Our 2021 branch finalist, Vidhi Kulkarni from Del Norte High School, spoke on the topic, “Has social media helped or hindered the breaking down of barriers for women and girls?“. Her fellow participants were Jay Wang from Mark Kepler High School, Olivia Toledo from Mira Mesa High School, and Nirja Trivedi from Westview High School.
Our 2nd Annual Speech Trek finalist, Jay Wang, spoke on the topic “ Are men and women truly equal today, or are the Suffragettes of 1920 still suffering in 2020?”
Second place went to Shiraz Rezaei, and third place to Skandhaa Subramaniam.
Congratulations to all the participants!
Jay’s speech can be viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/04EFdfinNy0
Speech Trek 2019 Winners
Our 1st Annual Speech Trek 2019 finalist, Dominique Ruedaflores, spoke on the topic, “How Can We Eliminate Violence Aimed at Our Schools?”
She went on to compete at the State level and won, which was another $1500 in prize money.
We are so proud of her accomplishment!
Her speech is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/W8gJp0EMfQM.
| Updated 28 Sep 2025 |