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2026 Langston Hughes Youth Oratorical Contest!
Join Us for an Unforgettable
Celebration of Youth Voices
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Experience the brilliance, courage, and creativity of Harford County’s finest middle and high school students as they take the stage to deliver powerful, original speeches inspired by this year’s theme:
“We stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.”
This dynamic event honors the legacy of Langston Hughes while uplifting the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and storytellers. You won’t want to miss this inspiring afternoon of talent, confidence, and excellence.
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Event Details
Saturday, February 7, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
The contest will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m.
Guests are asked to be seated by that time.
Cultural Center at the Opera House
121 North Union Avenue
Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078
Admission is FREE and open to the public, but seating is limited.
Reserve your seat today:
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Contest Categories
Harford County Residents:
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Middle School Division: Grades 6–8
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High School Division: Grades 9–12
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Awards:
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $300
3rd Place: $200
Top 10 Runners-Up: $100 each
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Eligibility:
Open to middle and high school students who are residents of Harford County, Maryland.
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Celebrate the incredible talent of Harford County’s youth at the annual Langston Hughes Youth Oratorical Contest. Middle and high school students will deliver original speeches inspired by the powerful theme, “We stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.” Witness these gifted young orators as they share their voices, creativity, and vision for the future. Don’t miss this inspiring showcase of passion and excellence—come and support the best of Harford County!
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Contestant Information
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NOTE; A PRACTICE / COACHING SESSION AVAILABLE:
Date and Time: Saturday, January 10, 17 and 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center, Inc.,
555 Alliance Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
(Virtual coaching sessions will be held with individual students upon request.)
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Scholarships are payable to the student. All contestants must be present to receive their award.
(Scholarships are awarded by a sponsor. No donations or grants are used to fund the awards.)
RULES:
Contestants must be a Harford County resident.
Contestants must be in grades 6 through 12, including homeschooled students.
Contestants must provide a valid school ID or proof of age.
SPEECH REQUIREMENTS:
Contestants must deliver a speech related to the official theme, "“We stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves.” and include the phrase at least once.
Speeches should be inspirational, expressive, and impactful — designed to move, inspire, or challenge the audience. No discriminatory or offensive language allowed.
Contestants are encouraged to bring their words to life through voice, tone, pacing, and body language — similar to a dramatic reading or spoken word performance.
Speeches must be between 4 and 5 minutes in length.
Penalty of one point for speeches under 4 minutes or over 5 minutes.
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GUIDELINES:
No props, costumes, clothing, or prompters are allowed.
Speeches must be delivered in English.
Copyrighted or quoted material must be verbally identified.
Contestants must prepare their own speeches.
No usage or reading from notes during the presentation.
PENALTIES:
Failure to use the official topic results in a deduction of 3 points.
Failure to identify non-original material leads to disqualification.
Use of props, costumes, or prompters results in disqualification.
Time penalties of 1 point for every 15 seconds over or under the allotted time.
SCORING CRITERIA:
Poise, appearance, and personality: 20 points.
Content of speech, including subject adherence, theme, content, and logic: 35 points.
Delivery and presentation, including voice, volume, pronunciation, gestures, eye contact, sincerity, and emphasis: 35 points.
Overall effectiveness, including appeal, impression, attitude, and effect: 10 points.
