Students Find Their Voice at 41st Annual Henry Greve Speech Contest

Middle and junior high school students took the stage Thursday evening at City Centre in downtown Bakersfield for the 41st annual Henry Greve Speech Contest, delivering passionate speeches on the prompt: “Is America Still the Land of Opportunity?”

For eighth grader Aleksia Rodriguez Solorio, the topic was a powerful motivator.

“What really brought me to this speech is the privilege to voice your opinion — to speak up about what you believe in,” Solorio said. “That’s something many people don’t have, and having that ability, and the right to speak in front of a crowd — I love it. Any chance I get, I take it.”

Solorio, an eighth grader from La Viña Middle School in the Delano Union Elementary School District, captivated both judges and audience members, earning first place in her very first speech competition. Her message connected current events to the broader question of opportunity in America.

“I would say that being more afraid and keeping that opinion to yourself may be doing more harm than voicing it,” Solorio added. “You will never lose anything from speaking what you believe in.”

That sentiment was echoed by fellow competitor Savyaa Vyas, who emphasized the importance of confidence when sharing one’s voice.

“Whether you’re on the positive side or the negative side, don’t be afraid to show who you are and be confident,” Vyas said. “Confidence is key.”

Since 1963, the contest has been held in memory of Henry Greve, a Kern County speech therapist who was killed in an auto accident. Greve, a member of the Bakersfield Toastmasters Club, helped organize the Junior Toastmasters Club in Kern County. The organization’s mission is to provide supportive learning experiences that help individuals develop communication and leadership skills, fostering confidence and personal growth.

For many students, the competition is not just about winning, but about growth and opportunity.

“This is my first speech competition, and I had so much fun,” said seventh grader Ariane Park, who earned second place. “I’m a seventh grader and I got second place — that makes me ecstatic! Just wait until next year. I’m definitely going to do it again.”

2026 Results:

1st — Aleksia Rodriguez Solorio, La Viña Middle School (Delano Union Elementary School District)

2nd — Ariane Park, Warren Jr. High (Panama-Buena Vista Union School District) 

3rd — Savyaa Vyas, Warren Jr. High (Panama-Buena Vista Union School District)