The Goleta Santa Barbara Lions Club is seeking students in grades 9–12 who are ready to showcase their public speaking skills and compete for scholarship awards. This year’s topic is Youth Mental Health: Overcoming Barriers to Well-Being.

Contest Details:

• Open to students in grades 9–12
• Participants must deliver a 5–10 minute speech
• State-level winner receives a cumulative $21,000 in scholarships

The registration deadline is January 31, 2026. To register, email jmhergert@yahoo.com.

The 2025 Student Speakers Contest winner was Reese Large of San Marcos High School, who advanced through both the club and zone levels. This is a great opportunity to build confidence, develop valuable skills, and compete for meaningful scholarships.

For more information, visit: https://goletasantabarbaralions.org/.

The three student finalists for the 2025 Student Speaker Contest from Left to Right: Angel Hernandez from Santa Barbara High School, Reese Large (Winner) from San Marcos High School, and Marshal Graham from Laguna Blanca School