Courier Journal Launched Student Video Contest

Students across the United States can now submit presidential inaugural address videos for a national competition.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a lone wooden lectern and brass microphone, symbolizing the national student speech competition. — The Courier Journal has opened the 'Make Your Speech' contest, inviting students across the United States to deliver mock presidential inaugural addresses. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Courier Journal has opened the Make Your Speech contest, inviting students in grades 5 through 12 to deliver a mock presidential inaugural address. This competition is the second of three planned events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Why it matters

The contest aims to engage young students in civic discourse and historical reflection as the nation prepares for its upcoming semiquincentennial. By requiring both a written text and a video performance, the initiative encourages participants to refine their public speaking and creative writing skills.

Students must submit a 2-3 minute video and the corresponding speech text. Entries are categorized by middle school and high school levels, with parental submission required for entrants aged 12 and younger.

The players

The Courier Journal

The Courier Journal is a Kentucky-based newspaper that is organizing this national video competition for students.

The details

Participants are tasked with crafting and delivering a mock inaugural address, which must be submitted alongside the written transcript via a digital portal. The Courier Journal is managing the entries for this national initiative.

September 10, 2026: Contest portal opened for submissions.
October 30, 2026: Contest submissions close at midnight Pacific time.

Culture Shift

This contest aligns with a growing movement to increase civic engagement among youth in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the United States. It shifts the focus from traditional history lessons toward active participation in national commemorative milestones.

Students and parents can participate by preparing and uploading speech videos before the late October deadline. Adopting this activity provides a structured way for families to explore civics and rhetoric at home.

The takeaway

Participating in the contest offers students a unique platform to articulate their vision for the country in a public forum. Families can use the preparation process as an exercise in research and confidence-building for middle and high schoolers.