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Recognition

Speech awards, by division, decided nationally

Both divisions carry a full national podium, each venue recognizes its own strongest speaker, and two special awards per division reward substance and delivery separately.

Middle School National Awards

Grade 6–8

  • Middle School National Champion

    First nationally. Determined by the National Awards Panel from shortlisted competitors at both venues.

  • Middle School 1st Runner-up

    Second nationally in Grade 6–8.

  • Middle School 2nd Runner-up

    Third nationally in Grade 6–8.

High School National Awards

Grade 9–12

  • High School National Champion

    First nationally. Determined by the National Awards Panel from shortlisted competitors at both venues.

  • High School 1st Runner-up

    Second nationally in Grade 9–12.

  • High School 2nd Runner-up

    Third nationally in Grade 9–12.

Site Recognition

Per venue, per division

  • Top Speaker — Toronto (Middle School)

    Highest local ranking, Toronto Grade 6–8. May overlap with a national award.

  • Top Speaker — Toronto (High School)

    Highest local ranking, Toronto Grade 9–12. May overlap with a national award.

  • Top Speaker — Vancouver (Middle School)

    Highest local ranking, Vancouver Grade 6–8. May overlap with a national award.

  • Top Speaker — Vancouver (High School)

    Highest local ranking, Vancouver Grade 9–12. May overlap with a national award.

Special Awards

By division

  • Best Content & Ideas — Middle School

    Strongest argument, structure and reasoning in Grade 6–8. May be withheld if entry numbers are low.

  • Best Content & Ideas — High School

    Strongest argument, structure and reasoning in Grade 9–12.

  • Best Delivery — Middle School

    Strongest expression, presence, pace and audience connection in Grade 6–8. May be withheld if entry numbers are low.

  • Best Delivery — High School

    Strongest expression, presence, pace and audience connection in Grade 9–12.

How placements are produced

Local scoring, national decision

01

Each venue scores its own room

Three local judges score both divisions live, then the venue tabulates its Middle School Top 3 and High School Top 3.

02

The national panel reviews recordings

Three independent judges who took no part in local scoring review the shortlisted recordings from both venues, division by division.

03

National awards are announced jointly

Both venues reconnect for the ceremony. National placements and special awards are announced the same afternoon.

Beyond the stage

Leadership is recognized on its own terms

Speech placement measures one afternoon. The Youth Voice Spirit & Community Impact Award is judged on a completely separate rubric — leadership and initiative, community mobilization, awareness and inclusion, and service or fundraising effort — and is awarded in each division. A student who never reaches the speech Top 3 can still be recognized for a year of real work.

See the Spirit Award rubric

What you actually walk away with.

Certificates, judge feedback, a volunteer and community involvement record, a club leadership role and an event portfolio.

What students gain How to enter