High School
1992: The Decade of the 1960s
1993: The Decade of the 1920s
1994: Westward Movement in America – 1840-1880s
1995: World War I (1914-1918) and/or World War II (1939-1945)
1996: The Colonial Era: 1492-1750
1997: The Decade of the 1970s
1998: The Decade of the 1950s
1999: The Turn of the Century: 1890-1910
2000: The Decade of the 1940s
2001: The Decade of the 1990s Stepping Stone to the Millennium
2002: The High Medieval Period, 800-1300 – Charlemagne to the Black Death
2003: The World in Transition 1830-1850
2004: The Decade of the 1930s
2005: 100 B.C. to 1 A.D.: Movement from Republic to Empire
2006: 1880-1900: Frontier Era to Industrial Age
2007: 1770-1800: The Age of Revolution
2008: The Decade of the 1920s
2009: 1450-1650 – Reformation, Age of Discovery and High Renaissance
2010: The Decade of the 1980s
2011: The Decade of 1850-1880
2012: The Decade of the 1960s
2013: 1901-1913 Turn of the Century to the Eve of the Great War
2014: The Decade of the 1970s
2015: 1700-1750
2016: 1940s or 1450-1650
2017: 1990s or 1750-1800
2018: 1801-1840 and/or 1930’s
2019: 1950-1959 and/or 1400-1499
2020: 1900-1909 and/or 2000-2009
2021: 1920s and/or 1600s
2022: 1980-1989 and/or 500 BCE – 1 CE (AD)
2023: 1960s and/or 1250-1500 CE
2024: 1900-1919 and/or 1970-1979
2025: 1840-1900 and/or 1940-1949
1991
- Homeless: Subdistrict/district: What services, if any, should the Federal Government provide for the homeless? State: What services, if any, should local governments provide for the homeless?
- Indian Treaty Rights: Subdistrict/district: What effect, if any, do Indian Treaty Rights have on the State of Wisconsin? State: What organization(s) or group(s), if any, should respond to the conflicts surrounding the Indian Rights Treaty issues?
- A United Germany: Subdistrict/district: What, if any, are the international economic implications of a united Germany? State: What, if any, are the international political ramifications of a united Germany?
- Drinking Age: Subdistrict/district: What has been the impact, if any, of Wisconsin’s raising the drinking age to 21? State: What modification, if any, should be made to Wisconsin’s drinking age law?
1992
- Global Warming: Subdistrict/district: What evidence, if any, supports the theory of a global warming trend? State: What effect, if any, would a global warming trend have upon humans?
- Euthanasia: Subdistrict/district: To what extent, if any, should U.S. law allow terminally ill patients to end their own lives? State: To what extent, if any, should U.S. law allow the medical profession to assist terminally ill patients to end their own lives?
- War Reconstruction: Subdistrict/district: To what extent, if any, is the U.S. responsible for rebuilding Iraq infrastructure after the Persian Gulf War? State: To what extent, if any, is the U.S. responsible for rebuilding Iraq’s economy after the Persian Gulf War?
1993
- National Healthcare: Subdistrict/district: To what extent, if any, are the costs of healthcare preventing Americans from receiving care? State: What evidence exists, if any, that the federal government should develop a national health care plan?
- Sexual Harassment: Subdistrict/district: What effect, if any, does the current understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment have on our society? State: What, if anything, should be done to reduce sexual harassment?
- American Education System: Subdistrict/district: What evidence exists, if any, that American secondary schools are adequately preparing students with immediate employability skills? State: What evidence exists, if any, that American secondary schools are adequately preparing students for post-secondary education?
1994
- Constitutional Rights – To what extent, if any, should First Amendment rights be limited and/or monitored?
- Global Issues – What, if any, involvement should the United States have in controversies in other parts of the world?
- Poverty – To what extent, if any, does poverty affect children?
1995
- Education – What actions, if any, should be taken to maintain extracurricular activities in a time of growing economic stress?
- Individual Rights – What actions, if any, should be taken by the government to ensure an individual’s right to privacy? (Possible areas may include but are not limited to: elected officials, sports figures, entertainment figures, rape victims, gay/lesbian, adoptee, family medical history need.)
- Juvenile Justice – To what extent, if any, should current laws on punishment of juvenile offenders by changed?
1996
- AIDS – To what extent, if any, should the federal government increase its funding of AIDS research?
- Cyberspace – What, if anything, should be done to discourage or eliminate the irresponsible use of electronic information networks?
- Social Security – What actions, if any, should be taken to protect and preserve the solvency of Social Security?
1997
- Campaign Financing – To what extent, if any, are candidates buying public office rather than truly being elected to public office? (PACs, lobbyists, special interest groups)
- Balancing the Federal Budget – What, if any, are the social/economic consequences of balancing the federal budget?
- Gender Equity – To what extent, if any, is gender bias/gender equity a real and pervasive problem America?
1998
- Marijuana – What, if any, are the consequences of legalization of marijuana?
- Official Language – What, if any, is the need for the designation of an official language in the United States?
- Capital Punishment – To what extent, if any, should capital punishment be uniform and consistent throughout all fifty states?
1999
- Affirmative Action – What should be done to protect the practice of affirmative action, or should affirmative action, as a national standard, be repealed?
- Guns/Violence in Schools – What can be done to stem the growing problem of violence in schools?
- Volunteerism – What actions, if any, should be taken to encourage volunteerism?
2000
- Animal Rights/Vivisection – To what extent, if any, should animals be used for medical research and/or product testing?
- Product Liability – To what extent, if any, should manufacturers be held responsible for crimes and/or injuries resulting from the use of their product?
- Role Models – To what extent, if any, should professional entertainers and athletes be looked upon or expected to be positive role models?
2001
- Voting – What should be done to increase voter participation in U.S. elections?
- School Security – What should school and law enforcement officials do to improve safety and security in our nation’s schools?
- U.S. Foreign Policy – To what extent, if any, should the United States assume the role of policing the world?
- Gun Control – Is the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution an outdated institution or one of the foundations of our freedom?
2002
- The Electoral College – Is the Electoral College an outdated institution?
- Students Rights – To what extent, if any, should school and law enforcement officials be allowed to search student lockers, vehicles, backpacks and possessions?
- Multicultural Awareness – What, if anything, should be done to promote cultural awareness in America’s schools?
- Juvenile Justice – Under what conditions, if any, should alleged juvenile offenders be waived into adult courts?
2003
- The Environment – To what extent, if any, should the extraction of natural resources be carried out in ecologically sensitive areas including, but not limited to, such places as rain forests, nature preserves and parks?
- Family Farms – What can or should be done to preserve the tradition of family farms?
- Immigration – In light of the September 11, 2001 attacks, to what extent, if any, should the Federal Government restrict and monitor immigration into the United States?
- Zero Tolerance – To what extent, if any, are zero tolerance weapons policies effective in schools?
2004
- Health Care – To what extent, if any, is there a need to implement changes in health care in the United States?
- Individual Rights – To what extent, if any, should individuals residing in the United States be expected to sacrifice certain freedoms and individual rights during a time of national emergency?
- Standardized Tests – To what extent, if any, are standardized tests a means to measure teaching and learning?
- Lawsuits – What impact, if any, has the prevalence of lawsuits had on the sense of personal responsibility in American society?
2005
- Alternative Energy – To what extent, if any, is there a need for research on and use of alternative energy sources?
- Mascots and Nicknames – Should sports teams in the U.S. be required to end the use of ethnic nicknames and/or symbolic mascots?
- Childhood Obesity – Under what circumstances, if any, should governments (local, state, national) enforce policies that help to decrease the rate of obesity in children?
- Performance Enhancing Drugs – To what extent, if any, should performance enhancing drugs and supplements be regulated?
2006
- Cheating in Schools – What, if anything, should be done to address the problem of cheating in our nation’s schools?
- Poverty in Developing Nations – To what extent, if any, should industrialized nations help alleviate poverty in developing nations?
- Extracurricular Programs – What, if anything, should be done to protect extracurricular programs in our high schools?
- Release of Sex Offenders – To what extent, if any, are current practices regarding release of sex offenders providing protection to American society?
2007
- The Right to Die – Under what circumstances should a person have the right to terminate his or her own life?
- Tuition – What effect, if any, is the rising cost of tuition having on access to higher education?
- Cell Phone Use – To what extent, if any, should cell phone use be regulated?
- Global Warming – What impact, if any, does global warming have on the environment?
2008
- Working Teens – What impact, if any, does teen employment during the school year have on academic performance and co-curricular participation?
- NASA – To what extent, if any, should the federal government continue to fund NASA?
- Presidency – What qualities have made past presidents successful?
- Downloading Music and MP3 File Sharing – To what extent, if any, should consumers be able to download and engage in MP3 file sharing without compensating the recording artists and record companies?
2009
- Internet Regulation – To what extent, if any, should content on the World Wide Web be regulated?
- China – What impact did the 2008 Olympics have on the Chinese culturally, economically and/or politically?
- Origin of Human Life – What should public schools be required to teach with regard to the origin of human life?
- Human Trafficking – What, if anything, should be done to address the worldwide problem of human trafficking?
2010
- Same-Sex Marriage – To what extent, if any, should state and federal government recognize same sex marriage and/or civil unions?
- Vegetarian/Vegan Diet – What are the benefits, of any, to a vegetarian and/or vegan diet?
- Obama Presidency – To what extent, if any, has the first year of the Obama Presidency been a success or failure?
- Social Networking – To what extent, if any, will social networking shape the future?
- Drinking – What, if anything, should be done to discourage the drinking culture in Wisconsin?
2011
- Sex Education – What sex education, if any, should be taught in public schools?
- Stem Cell Research – What are the potential benefits or harms, if any, of embryonic stem cell research?
- Textbooks – To what extent, if any, should special interest groups (such as the state school boards of Texas or California) influence public school textbook content across the country?
- 24/7 News Cycle – To what extent, if any, does the immediacy of the 24/7 news cycle (cable news, twitter, Facebook, RSS feeds, blogs) help or hinder the public’s ability to understand the complexity of current events?
2012
- Terrorism – To what extent, if any, has recent US Military involvement made the world a safer place?
- Nuclear Power – In light of the nuclear disaster in Japan, what, if any, should be the future of nuclear power in the United States?
- Fine Arts Programming – Given the current state budget crisis, to what extent, if any, should Wisconsin public schools continue to fund fine arts classes?
- Online and/or Charter Schools – What should be the role of on-line and/or charter schools in public education?
2013
- Sports Related Head Injuries: What, if anything, can/should be done to reduce concussions and brain injuries caused by sports/athletic participation?
- Political Partisanship: What, if anything, should be done to reduce the level of partisanship in state and national government?
- Great Lakes: To what extent, if any, should the Great Lakes Commission consider the sale or sharing of water with other parts of the continent?
- The Draft: To what extent, if any, should a military draft be re-instituted by the U.S. government?
2014
- Cyberbullying – What, if anything, should be done to reduce cyberbullying?
- Working Conditions – What, if anything, can be done to improve working conditions and wages?
- Legalization of Marijuana – To what extent, if any, in light of other states’ actions, should Wisconsin act on legalization of marijuana?
- Private School Vouchers – To what extent, if any, should public money be used to provide vouchers for private school tuition?
2015
- New Food Regulations in Public School Systems: To what extent, if any, should state and federal government regulate the food students consume during the school day?
- Health Care: To what extent, if any, has the Affordable Care Act been successful?
- Cheating: What, if anything, can be done to curb cheating in schools?
- Digital Footprint: Under what circumstances, if any, should one’s digital footprint (Social Media) be used by evaluators to determine one’s access to future endeavors such as job opportunities, college entrance, and/or scholarships?
2016
- State Parks: To what extent, if any, is the defunding and privatization of state parks affecting resource management?
- Technology Reliance: To what extent, if any, is reliance on technology affecting our ability to learn and retain knowledge?
- Youth Sports: To what extent, if any, does participation in youth sports affect mental and physical well-being?
- Racial Tensions: To what extent, if any, is the media elevating racial tensions in the U.S.?
2017
- Post-secondary education accessibility: What, if anything, should be done to reduce costs for post-secondary education?
- Transgendered students: To what extent, if any, should public schools recognize the rights of transgendered individuals?
- Gun violence: What, if anything, should government do to address gun violence?
- Presidential priorities: What should be the new U.S. President’s top three priorities?
- Electoral College: To what extent, if any, is the Electoral College an outdated way of electing the U.S. President?
2018
- How involved should parents be in their child’s education?
- To what extent, if any, does immigration affect employment
- What, if anything, can be done to eliminate food deserts in America
- To what extent, if any, are prisons in the US effective?
- To what degree, if any, should space exploration continue?
2019
- To what extent, if any, should the U.S. federal government substantially reduce restrictions on legal immigration to the United States?
- To what extent, if any, should the U.S. government implement a national high-speed rail system?
- How should schools deal with student protests?
- To what extent, if any, is technology making us more alone?
2020
- What, if anything, can governments do to ensure integrity and security of elections in the United States?
- What, if anything, should schools do to ensure comparable funding for arts and athletics?
- To what extent, if any, should the U.S. federal government legislate controls over freshwater resources, especially the Great Lakes?
- To what extent, if any, should schools require a dress code for all students?
- To what extent, if any, should communities support the locavore movement to promote
nutrition and sustainability?
2021
- To what degree, if any, should internet access be universal?
- To what extent, if any, is civil disobedience justified?
- To what extent, if any, is the World Health Organization worth funding?
- To what extent, if any, should vaccines be mandatory?
- To what extent, if any, should the U.S. federal government provide natural disaster relief?
2022
- To what extent, if any, should government commitment to infrastructure include human infrastructure?
- To what extent, if any, should government support renewable energies?
- To what extent, if any, should schools implement new approaches to school day scheduling, grading practices, or virtual learning (choose one)?
- To what degree, if any, should social media censor individuals/groups from participating on their platforms?
- To what extent, if any, should self-care and/or mindfulness be a part of someone’s daily routine?
2023
- Should schools implement periodic mental health checks for students and staff?
- Should the U.S. implement a single-payer universal health care system?
- To what extent, if any, should the U.S. increase investment in high-speed rail?
- What reforms, if any, should be made to the U.S. Supreme Court?
- What reforms, if any, should be implemented to make housing more affordable?
2024
- To what degree, if any, should generative artificial intelligence be regulated and by whom?
- To what extent, if any, should schools require community service as a graduation requirement?
- What actions, if any, should be taken by the government to ensure an individual’s right to privacy?
- What standards and processes, if any, should be used in determining appropriate content/books/texts in classrooms and school libraries?
- What, if anything, should the government do to address economic inequality (e.g., minimum wage, jobs programs, food/housing security)?
2025
- To what extent will artificial intelligence impact the future of work and/or education?
- To what extent, if any, should a personal media presence be utilized in the hiring process?
- To what extent, if any, should amateur Olympic athletes be paid or sponsored for training and participation?
- What measures, if any, should the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) implement to safeguard the environment for hunting and fishing?
- How has the changing nature of media impacted dynamics of elections?
1991
- Public Support Speech: As a member of an environmental group you are asked to address a local civic group challenging them to become involved in a recycling program.
- Entertainment Speech: As a member of the award committee, you are responsible for presenting the humorous awards at the forensics banquet.
- Keynote Address: As a high school representative, you are to address your elementary school’s “Just Say No” club.
- Goodwill Speech: As an organ recipient, you are asked to address a high school assembly to encourage the significance of signing the anatomical gift statement on your driver’s license.
- Welcoming Speech: Imagine that anyone from history would come to speak at your commencement; as the president of the Senior Class you will give the welcome speech for the historical figure who will speak.
1992
- Acceptance of an award: You are the recipient of a scholarship from a special interest group. You must present your acceptance speech at their annual meeting.
- Dedication: You have been asked to present the dedication speech at the opening of a new outdoor facility in the community.
- Speech to entertain: You have been chosen to give a humorous farewell speech to one of the following: classmates, teachers, family, co-workers.
- Speech of a proposal: As a student lobbyist you are to address the school board on an issue of current interest or need in your school district.
- Eulogy: You have been chosen to deliver a speech honoring an individual in the area of arts and entertainment who has made a significant difference in our culture.
1993
- The campaign speech: You are running for a political office on the national, state or local level. You wish to gain the citizens’ support for the upcoming elections.
- Dedication: You have been selected to present an artistic masterpiece to a public facility.
- Keynote: You have been chosen to promote a public safety issue to the elementary, middle or high school community.
- The occasion may vary: You are a high school student representing the US in a foreign country. This could be a team participant, presenter or recipient of an award, or a foreign exchange student. (The occasion may vary – dinner meeting, school event, performing event.)
- Entertainment: You have been chosen as the humorous speaker at your high school reunion.
1994
- Patriot tribute: You have been chosen to give a speech commemorating someone who has died in service to their country. (War, FBI, space exploration, etc.)
- Public apology: You are in a position that requires you to make a public apology for a wrongdoing. You must successfully place your organization in good standing with the public. (Political blunder, racial injustice, or financial embezzlement)
- Farewell speech: You are at a dinner in your honor. You must say farewell to a group of people that you are leaving due to an employment change or relocation to another state or country.
- Award acceptance: You have been given an award for outstanding contributions to your school or community. (Writing award, student council, bravery, junior leadership, scholarship, etc.)
- Anniversary celebration: You have been chosen to speak at your parents or grandparents wedding anniversary (silver, ruby or golden). You must address the importance of the family.
1995
- Speech to Entertain: You have been chosen to “roast” a former classmate who has become famous (professional singer, actor or politician) as she/he moves up in her/his career.
- Eulogy: You have been chosen to deliver a speech honoring a deceased classmate, teacher or other respected school personnel.
- Career Opportunity Speech: You are a college or technical college recruiter making a speech about future educational needs and job prospects to a high school junior class.
- Speech of Encouragement: As a representative of the Student Council, you have been asked to encourage student participation in “the arts” and other non-athletic school activities.
- Fundraising Speech: As a representative of the school student body, you have received permission to address the local city council to propose funding for a new program, project or facility, which would benefit both the school and community.
1996
- Dedication: You have been asked to present the dedication speech at the opening of an educational facility (gym, pool, theatre, etc.) donated by your family.
- Entertainment: At the family reunion you were chosen to entertain the teenage relatives with your humorous memories of younger days.
- Campaign Speech: You are a presidential candidate in the 1996 election. Convince the young voters (18-25) of the impact of their votes on the upcoming issues.
- Keynote-Educational Address: As a student in your high school, you will address the PTO or parent group concerning one or more serious/potential problem(s) in your district. (Problems may include, but are not limited to, eating disorders, drug use, gangs, and activities for youth, etc.)
- Commencement Address: You have achieved your career goals and your success has prompted an invitation to be the guest speaker at your alma mater’s graduation ceremony.
- Commemorative Speech: You will address the 100th Anniversary Banquet of the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association. Possible inclusions are: some history of the organization, famous past participants, merits and educational value of WHSFA, etc.
1997
- Goodwill Speech: As an organ recipient, you are asked to address a high school assembly regarding the significance of signing the anatomical gift statement on the back of the driver’s license.
- Anniversary Speech: Imagine that anyone from history could come and speak at a city’s centennial. Who would that person be and what would the message be?
- Eulogy: You have been chosen to deliver a speech honoring an individual in the area of arts and entertainment who has made a significant difference in our culture.
- Keynote Speaker: You have been chosen to promote a public safety issue to the elementary, middle school, and/or high school community.
- Dinner Speech: You are a high school student who has represented your country as a foreign exchange student. You are giving a speech at a dinner given in your honor by the organization that sponsored your trip.
1998
- Commemorative Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Speech: You have been asked to make an address at a sesquicentennial event for the state of Wisconsin.
- Thank You Speech: You are receiving a college tuition scholarship from an ethnic organization of which you, your parents, and your immigrant grandparents are members. You have been asked to make a speech accepting your award at the group’s spring luncheon.
- Campaign Speech: You are doing campaign work for a local School Board candidate. You have been asked to address seniors in your school who are eligible to vote in the upcoming election.
- Introductory Speech: Your grandfather received the Military’s Bronze Star for his performance as a WW II infantryman. You are introducing him to an honors history class, which is studying the war.
- Docent Speech: Your house has been selected by a local historical group as a part of a tour of homes in your neighborhood, which features distinctive architecture. You have been asked to give tour participants details of your home, its personal history and the era in which it was built.
1999
- Docent Speech: A major art museum has selected you to conduct tours for secondary students as a retrospective exhibition of an important artist. You have been asked to relate the artist and his/her work to other curriculum areas such as English or Social Studies.
- Fundraising/Assistance: As a representative of a group of individuals stricken by a major disease or genetic condition, you speak before a congressional committee requesting more money for research and/or policy changes to assist your group.
- Dedication: You have been asked to represent an environmental group at the rededication of a wildlife preserve or Government Park as it is being renamed to reflect the concerns of a major environmentalist. You will describe this environmentalist, his or her work and why the area is being dedicated to his or her accomplishments.
- Memorial: It is the anniversary of a disaster, which has claimed the lives of many individuals. You have been asked to speak at a memorial service in their honor and place the tragedy in perspective.
- Apology: As a representative of a sports team, you have been asked to appear before the media and present an apology for an inappropriate or unpopular action by the team, one or more of its members or one or more of its fans.
2000
- Millennium Tribute: At a local elementary school you have been asked to participate in a tribute to a significant personality of the past millennium. You will present a speech on the achievements and contributions of this individual at a school assembly.
- Keynote Speech: You have been chosen to be the keynote speaker at the 2000 presidential nominating convention of your political party. Party leaders have asked you to reflect upon the party’s accomplishments during the past century, as well as upon its future goals.
- Introductory Speech: You have been chosen as the new instructional technology director of your school district. The superintendent of schools has asked you to speak to a staff luncheon, outlining your goals for bringing your district’s technology into the 21st century.
- Groundbreaking Speech: Your community has decided to develop materials for, and construct a museum commemorating a musical group, a type of music or a musical instrument. As you speak at its groundbreaking, you hope to describe the significance of such a facility.
- Awareness Campaign: You have been asked to speak to a local civic group on the benefits of alternative medicine. Your goal is to illustrate its value.
2001
- Entertainment Speech: You have been chosen to “roast” a former classmate who has become famous.
- Eulogy: You have been chosen to deliver a speech honoring a deceased individual who has made a significant difference in our culture in the area of arts and entertainment.
- Keynote Speech: You have been selected to provide the keynote speech at a national academic competition for students in grades 6 through 12. Your goal is to inspire the students to do their best in competition.
- Trade Show Presentation: Your employer has selected you to present a new product, service or design to prospective retailers at a major trade show.
- Welcome Speech: It is the year 2025, and we have discovered life on other planets. You have been chosen, as a representative of earth, to welcome the aliens to membership in the United Nations.
2002
- Advocacy Speech – Organs: As an organ recipient, you are asked to address a high school assembly regarding the significance of signing the anatomical gift statement or of placing the organ donor sticker on the driver’s license.
- Foreign Exchange Travelogue: You are a high school student who has represented your country as a foreign exchange student. When you return home, you deliver a speech to your sponsors describing your trip.
- Educator Appreciation: You have been chosen to prepare and deliver a speech at Honors Night paying tribute to a classmate, teacher or other respected school employee.
- Advocacy Speech – Space: You have just returned from an exploratory space mission. You are asked to show how scientific exploration is vital to the world’s survival.
- Commemoration: You have been asked to address your fellow students commemorating Patriots Day – April 19th – to remind them of the American Revolution and sacrifices endured by our Forefathers.
2003
- Acceptance Speech: You accept a local civic group’s “Youth of the Year” award at their banquet, and explain the value of volunteer work.
- Entertainment: As senior class president, it is your job to “roast” some popular, retiring faculty members who are guests at the Senior Night Banquet.
- Eulogy: You have been asked to deliver the eulogy for a disgraced family member at his/her funeral.
- Graduation Speech: You have been chosen by your classmates to deliver an address at the graduation ceremony. Your goal is to inspire them to face their future challenges.
- School Board Meeting: You present a speech at your local school board meeting against a proposal by the board to eliminate your school’s fine arts programs to help balance the district budget.
2004
- Commemoration: In honor of the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Washington D.C. delivery of the “I Have A Dream” speech, you have been asked to address your student body on how far race relations have come since then, and where our nation has yet to go.
- Tribute – Influential Woman: You have been asked to make a tribute to an influential contemporary woman as one of your school’s Women’s History Month activities.
- Tribute – Veterans: Your school has selected you as the representative to pay tribute to graduates distinguished by their military service in the war in Iraq/Middle East.
- Anniversary Celebration: Your family has selected you to honor your parents or grandparents’ wedding anniversary at their celebration.
- Farewell Address: As an elected official, who has been defeated in the last election, you must address your elected colleagues before leaving office.
2005
- Career Keynote: You have been selected to deliver the keynote speech at a seminar for students interested in careers in technology.
- Historic Presidential Eulogy: Your local historical association has asked you to eulogize a President of the United States to a group of local students.
- Entertainment: You have been chosen as the humorous speaker at your high school reunion.
- Docent Speech: You have been selected by your local art museum to dedicate a new exhibit area of contemporary art in honor of a local patron of the museum.
- Encouragement: You have been asked to address your fellow students who have successfully worked through a difficult situation.
Beginning in 2006, and for most years afterwards, we offered general situations without context. 2006
- Acceptance of a Gift of Award
- Speech of Farewell
- After Dinner Speech
- Tribute
- Public Apology
2007
- Speech of Welcome
- Acceptance of Nomination or Office
- Sales/Fundraising Presentation
- Patriotic Speech
2008
- Presentation of a Gift or Award
- Speech of Protest
- Speech to an At-Risk Group
- Graduation Speech
2009
- Speech to Gain Good Will
- A “Roast” Speech
- A Nomination Speech
- A Wedding or Anniversary Speech
2010
- Eulogy: A Eulogy for a pet
- Public Statement: Present a public statement for a family crisis. May include but not limited to: a victim of a natural disaster, crime victim, illness, loss of home, etc.
- Trial: An original summation of an actual or fictitious trial.
- Tribute: A tribute to a teacher.
2011
- After Dinner Speech at a Civic Organization
- Announcement of a New Product
- Presentation of a Proposal to a Service Organization
- Motivational Speech to Elementary School students
2012
- Docent Presentation: You have volunteered to act as a docent at your local library or museum for a special event (i.e. Youth Art Month, visiting exhibit, etc.)
- State Government Testimony: You are to speak before a Wisconsin Governmental regulatory agency concerning a policy.
- Initiative Presentation: You are to present your school’s “Go Green” initiative to a local organization.
- History Day: You are to analyze a significant speech at a history day event. The presentation must include excerpts from the speech within your analysis.
- Graduation Speech: You have been elected to present a speech at the class of 2012’s graduation.
2013
- Book Talk: You are to present a book talk on at least two books for younger students to the local book club or local library for a summer reading program.
- Wedding Speech: You, as maid of honor or best man, are to speak at your sibling’s wedding.
- Foreign Exchange: You are to present a speech at a local organization about your recent experience as a foreign exchange student.
- School Board Testimony: You are to address your local school board concerning a school policy students want to change.
2014
- A speech at a family reunion.
- An acceptance of an award or honor.
- A rededication of an old cemetery.
- A speech at the closing of a neighborhood school.
2015
- A speech in honor of a retiree.
- A speech of protest.
- A speech of apology.
- A speech to foreign visitors.
2016
- A speech at a charity event.
- A speech to the United Nations.
- A speech at a self-help seminar.
- A political victory or concession speech.
2017
- A speech to a veteran’s organization.
- A speech in response to a scandal.
- A sales pitch to investors for a new product or invention.
- A dedication of an art exhibit or public art installation.
2018
- Resignation speech
- Hall of fame induction speech
- Pep talk from a coach
- Tribute to the life of an ancestor
2019
- A principal’s welcome to incoming students
- A recruitment speech
- A ribbon cutting speech
- A school office candidacy speech
2020
- Opening argument for a trial
- A speech to decline an award
- End of year banquet speech
- Press conference to announce a product recall
2021
- New product launch announcement
- Rally speech focused on cause/issue
- Speech arguing against school program budget cuts
- Eulogy for a political figure
2022
- A press conference about a public health issue
- A roast of a celebrity or fictional character
- A speech to present a posthumous award or honor
- An anniversary speech to commemorate an event at a school
2023
- A conference/convention keynote address
- A proposal for an innovative community service project
- A tribute/dedication to a veteran/veteran memorial
- A protest speech
2024
- A public apology
- Address to Board of Education
- Speech delivered to a school assembly of current students
- Wedding toast
2025
- Welcome speech to a summer camp
- Villain monologue
- Motivational speech from a coach or advisor
- Scholarship speech
1991 – Earlier – draw category 1992 – (#1-3 = Subdistrict/District; #4-6 = State)
- Ghosts
- Science Fiction
- Tales of the Sea
- Fables
- Animals
- Stores from Other (Non-European) Lands
1993 – (#1-3 = Subdistrict/District; #4-6 = State)
- Husbands and Wives
- Trickery/Deceit
- Myths
- Growing Up/Childhood
- Magic and Magicians
- Stores from Other (European) Lands
1994
- Kings and Queens
- True Stories
- Myths, Fables or Folk Tales from Native American Culture
- Journeys/Quests
- Fairy Tales
1995
- Larger than life (giants, monsters, something larger size than normal)
- Mysteries
- Elements in Nature (wind, moon, flood, etc.)
- Fractured Fairy Tales (variations, spoofs or contemporization of standard fairy tales)
- African Tale
1996
- Stories of Inanimate Objects That Come to Life
- Stories That Are Titled With First Names (male or female; i.e., Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Kenny and His Kite)
- Good Deed Stories
- East Asian Stories (East Asia is defined as the area East of the Ural Mountains and West of Hawaii)
- Magic and Magicians
1997
- American Folktales
- Stories That Have a Moral
- Stories With The Color Red
- Stories From Scandinavia
- Favorite Childhood Story
1998
- A Story About Wisconsin
- A Story About Outer Space
- A Greek or Roman Myth
- A Snow Story
- A Non-fictional Story About a Famous Person
1999
- A Circus Story
- A Story From Japan
- A Story About Transportation
- A Story About the Old West
- A Ghost Story
2000
- An Animal Story
- An African Folktale
- A Sun, Moon and/or Star Story
- A Sports Story
- A Music Story
2001
- A Story Involving Water
- A Story With The Theme of Courage
- A Story From Native American Culture
- A Mystery Story
- A Story About Royalty
2002
- A Story From Irish Culture
- A Story From Greek or Roman Mythology
- A Forest Story
- A Monster Story
- A Holiday Story
2003
- A Story About Clothing
- A Story About An Invention
- A Story From Latin/South American Culture
- A Story With Magic and/or Magicians
- A Story That Has a Moral
2004
- A Story from Eastern Europe
- A Story of Leadership
- A Story About a Struggle Against Nature
- A Story of Beauty of the Lack Thereof
- A Story About Food
2005
- A Story from the Middle East
- A Story About Siblings
- A Story With A Wish
- A Story About Greed
- A Story With A Quest or Journey
2006
- A Story About Creatures of the Seas or Skies
- A Story of Birth or Death
- A Story of Elders, Sages, or Mentors
- A Story With A Surprise
- An Urban Legend
2007
- American South
- How or Why Story
- Story of Rumor, Gossip, Exaggeration
- Brother Grimm Story
- A Story Involving Gold
2008
- Native American Story
- Fractured Fairy Tale
- Scary Story
- True Story
- Story of Rivalry
2009
- Hans Christian Anderson Story
- A Story with Numbers
- A Story with Poverty or Hardship
- A Music Story
- A Chinese Folktale
2010
- Arabian Nights Story
- Childhood Story
- Animal Story
- A Story About Teamwork
2011
- A Story with Fantastical Creatures
- A Story from India
- A Story about Luck
- A Story with Insects
2012
- A Story from American heartland
- A Story about a fool
- A Story with puns or other word play
- A Story about overcoming heartbreak or sadness
2013
- A story from Greek or Roman mythology
- A story involving a ghost
- A war or military story
- A story involving trickery or deceit
2014
- A story from or about Africa
- A story about a game, contest or competition
- A story about mismatched or unlikely love
- A story about coming of age
2015
- A story about a party or celebration
- A story of justice or injustice
- A story incorporating Wisconsin history
- A story to tell around a campfire
2016
- A story about a holiday
- A Latin American story
- A story about a quest
- A story about a force of nature
2017
- A story from Scandanavia
- A story about food
- A story about overcoming obstacles
- A story about technology
2018
- Story about outer space
- Story from an indigenous culture
- Story about about something lost and/or found
- Nautical story
2019
- A story from the British Isles and/or Ireland
- A story about illness/plague
- A story about agriculture and/or gardening
- A fish-out-of-water story
2020
- A story from or about Pacific Island cultures
- A story about travel
- A story about being dirty and/or clean
- A story about family
2021
- Fable
- Finally being heard
- Ghosts/vampires/zombies/other undead
- Science and/or exploration
2022
- A story about science and/or exploration
- A story about resilience
- A story about nature and/or weather
2023
- A story questioning reality
- A story about acceptance/inclusion
- A story with magic/magical creatures
2024
- Mystery story
- Story of advocacy/allyship
- Story about money/greed
2025
- Unlikely heroes
- Pourquoi tale (origin story or why something is)
- Story involving a clothing accessory
Middle Level
2008: Media Violence
1. How does media violence affect teenagers?
2. Describe different forms of media violence and explain where it is found in today’s society.
3. Does the use of websites like Myspace or Facebook have positive, or harmful, repercussions?
4. Video games and music have ratings – why?
5. Should schools allow students to bring video games to school? Why/why not?
6. How do movie ratings affect the movies shown in your school? Your home?
7. Harry Potter books/movies have violent themes – is that a bad thing?
8. What can/should parents do to prevent their children from being affected by media violence?
9. Should our federal government do more, or less, to control media violence? Explain.
2009: Economic, Energy, and Environment
1. What will happen to the U.S. economy as interest rates increase?
2. What can be done to decrease the federal deficit?
3. Are U.S. citizens paying too much for gas? Explain from a historic
perspective.
4. What methods can the United States take to lower its dependence on foreign oil?
5. Discuss the pros and cons of increasing the use of Ethanol in the U.S.
6. Discuss the future of family farms in the U.S.
7. What can be done individually to reduce dependence on natural
resources?
8. Should we increase oil drilling in the U.S.? Why or why not?
9. Should the United States reduce its financial investment in improving the country of Iraq? Explain.
10. Why is gasoline so expensive in Wisconsin as compared to neighboring states? Explain.
2010: Media Violence
Same as 2008.
2011: Fossil Fuels
1. Was the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico preventable? Why or why not?
2. Describe two or three long-term effects of the oil spill on the ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico.
3. Describe two or three short-term effects of the oil spill on the economy of Gulf Coast states.
4. What are the alternative energy sources that could be expanded to reduce our country’s need for oil?
5. Is the U.S. government responsible for cleaning up this man-made accident?
6. What additional safeguards should be in place to prevent a similar accident in the future?
7. Do the benefits of producing oil locally outweigh the harmful effects of accidents on our ecosystem? Explain why or why not.
8. Describe how you think transportation will change in the United States in the next 30 years.
9. Are you satisfied with BP, the oil company in charge of the Gulf drilling, regarding its response to the crisis? Describe why or why not.
2012: Media & Violence
1. How does media violence affect teenagers?
2. Describe different forms of media violence, and explain where it is found in today’s society.
3. Does the use of websites like Twitter or Facebook have positive, or harmful, repercussions?
4. Video games and music have ratings – why?
5. Should schools allow students to bring cell phones and Ipods to school? Why or why not?
6. How do movie ratings affect the movies shown in your school? Your home?
7. Harry Potter books/movies have violent themes – is that a bad thing?
8. What can/should parents do to prevent their children from being affected by media violence?
9. Should our federal government do more, or less, to control media violence? Explain.
2013: Economy, Energy, and Environment
1. What will happen to the U.S. economy if interest rates increase?
2. Describe the impact of oil/natural gas production on the State of North Dakota and its residents.
3. Are U.S. citizens paying too much for gas? Explain from a historic perspective.
4. What methods can the United States take to lower its dependence on foreign oil?
5. Discuss the pros and cons of increasing the use of Ethanol in the U.S.
6. Discuss the viability of family farms in the U.S.
7. What can be done individually to reduce dependence on natural resources?
8. Should Wisconsin allow hydraulic fracking companies to expand production?
9. Why is gasoline so expensive in Wisconsin compared to other States? Explain.
10. Describe the financial impact of wind farming in Wisconsin.
2014: Mobile Devices & Technology
1. Does allowing the use of social/mobile technologies (laptops/smartphones) in school benefit students?
2. How can schools utilize mobile technologies in classrooms?
3. Cyberbullying is a continuing problem for teens; does an increased use of mobile technologies exacerbate or reduce cyberbullying?
4. How can schools accommodate students who don’t own their own mobile devices or have limited access to the internet?
5. Many schools are moving to a one-to-one mobile technology program; are these programs a prudent use of taxpayer resources?
6. Describe ways technology enhanced instruction benefits students.
7. Should students be allowed to text and/or play games on their mobile devices during study halls?
8. Is it possible that at-risk students who are allowed to use mobile technologies may improve their scholastic achievement? Explain.
9. Can reading a book electronically provide the reader with the same experience as reading a traditional book?
2015: American Healthy Lifestyle
1. Are America’s youth as healthy as youths of years ago?
2. What are the critical steps necessary to develop a healthy society?
3. How do tobacco companies fit into the equation of working to keep Americans healthy?
4. What school programs produce significant improvement in healthy youth lifestyles?
5. Explore the cost of unhealthy youth on the economy of the US.
6. How does peer pressure affect healthy lifestyles in America, both for children and adults?
7. Is it the government’s responsibility to become involved in the issue of improving our youths’ health?
8. Compare the health of American youths of different ethnic groups.
9. What role do parents have in the overall health of their children?
2016: Economics, Environment, Energy
1. What will happen to the United States economy as interest rates increase?
2. What can be done to decrease the federal deficit?
3. Are United States citizens paying too much for gas? Explain from an historical perspective.
4. What methods can the United States take to lower its dependence on foreign oil?
5. Discuss pros and cons of increasing the use of ethanol in the United States
6. Discuss the viability of family farms in the United States relative to proliferation of mega dairy farms.
7. What can individuals do to reduce dependence on natural resources?
8. Is hydraulic fracturing sand mining a viable alternative to traditional methods of acquiring oil?
9. Explain why gasoline is more expensive in Wisconsin compared to other states?
2017: Cyberbullying
1. What risk factors develop in children who are cyberbullied?
2. Why do some teenagers bully others?
3. How should parents address cyberbullying?
4. What role does social media like Twitter or Snapchat have in cyberbullying?
5. How can teens stand up to peers who cyberbully?
6. What cell phone usage rules should schools enact to address cyberbullying?
7. What would you do for a friend who is being cyberbullied?
8. How does cyberbullying differ from traditional bullying?
9. What cyberbullying policies should communities enact?
2018: Co-/Extracurricular Activities
1. How does participation in forensic speech activities benefit middle level students?
2. What time management strategies should students participating in school activities utilize?
3. What leadership opportunities are offered in extracurricular activities, and how are they beneficial?
4. How does participation in school activities enhance students’ social development?
5. What should schools do to increase student involvement in extracurricular activities?
6. Should middle level schools have a debate team? Why or why not?
7. What new activity or club would you add to your school and why?
8. How does participation in school activities enhance students’ self-esteem?
9. How does participation in forensic speech activities benefit students after high school?
2019: How technology makes us more alone
1. How does social media make us feel more or less alone?
2. How much time do children spend with technology compared to interacting with peers?
3. What about technology has increased anxiety in people?
4. How has text messaging impacted communication?
5. How does lack of access to technology impact people in poverty?
6. What is a reasonable amount of digital screen time per day for children?
7. How has technology made conversations more challenging?
8. How serious a threat is cyberbullying?
9. What alternatives to technology should parents encourage their children to pursue?
10. How has addiction to computer gaming affected people’s social skills?
11. How has technology impacted loneliness in older people?
2020: Safety, health and wellness
1. How can schools raise awareness and understanding of depression?
2. What can schools do to decrease the amount of anxiety students face?
3. What should communities do to treat individuals addicted to opioid drugs?
4. How can schools make mental health services more accessible to students?
5. How dangerous is vaping?
6. Why are dress codes implemented in schools, and how effective are they?
7. What can communities do to support locally-sourced foods?
8. What should be done to better protect teens and preteens from harm online?
9. What strategies should schools implement for more physical activity and exercise?
10. What are the greatest threats to school safety, and what is being done to protect students against those threats?
11. What impacts do global climate change have on public health?
12. Why or why not should states and schools require vaccinations?
2021: Systemic Racism
- Why is the term “privilege” so controversial?
- What are the impacts of equity versus equality?
- How can police departments prevent brutality against individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color?
- How does implicit bias impact education?
- What are the impacts of racism in healthcare?
- What anti-racist reforms are needed in the U.S. criminal justice system?
- How does racism impact mass media?
- What impact have protests had in addressing racism in the United States?
- What are microaggressions, and why are they a problem?
- How do food insecurity and food deserts disproportionately impact families of Color?
- How does redlining impact individuals and families of Color?
- What federal laws could be passed to mitigate systemic racism?
2022: Mental health and mindfullness
- What is mindfulness, how does it work, and what are the benefits?
- How does improving mental health help promote better physical health?
- How can schools discourage stigmas involving mental health and wellness?
- What can individuals do to better support others in their mental health?
- How can schools encourage students to engage in self-care and mindfulness?
- How can individuals become more mindful in their everyday lives?
- Why is self-care so important to teachers and how they serve students?
- What are the benefits of quiet spaces, and how can schools implement quiet spaces for students?
- What can schools do to support students facing anxiety and depression?
- How can professional athletes use their platform to promote mental health for teen and pre-teen athletes?
- What are a few innovative approaches used in workplaces and schools to promote better mental health, and how successful have they been?
- What positive and negative impacts has the COVID-19 pandemic had on mental health of teens and pre-teens?
2023: Climate Change
- What routine/daily changes can individuals make to decrease their carbon footprint?
- What are communities already doing to find alternative, non-fossil fuel sources of electricity?
- How has climate change disproportionately impacted communities of color?
- Regarding climate change, how are farmers impacted, and how has farming contributed to it, and what adaptations have/can be made?
- What are three main effects of rising sea levels, and what are communities doing to prepare?
- How has climate change increased extreme weather events, wildfires, and floods?
- What transportation initiatives exist/have been proposed to address climate change?
- How are businesses impacted by climate change and/or solutions implemented to slow or stop its effects?
- What are youth doing, around the world, to advocate for climate action?
- How does climate change impact national security and sovereignty of ______? (Student may select a particular country).
- What can be done to help indigenous communities impacted by climate change?
- Is the energy loss in electric vehicles significantly efficient to justify the cost over traditional, gasoline engine-based vehicles?
2024: Technology & Society
- How has artificial intelligence changed assistive technology for people with disabilities?
- In what ways does artificial intelligence endanger our society?
- How should students responsibly use generative artificial intelligence in the classroom?
- What are the biggest problems with social media, and what should be done to fix them?
- Who gains the most from generative artificial intelligence?
- What should the U.S. government do to protect against cyber threats?
- How has access to technology increased during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?
- What should be done to counter “deepfake” disinformation?
- What can be done to better promote rural access to the Internet?
- How can the U.S. improve upon the skills gap in technology?
- Are U.S. privacy laws strong enough to protect technology users?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of augmented reality?
2025
Theme A: Media & Artificial Intelligence
- How is artificial intelligence impacting how people consume news?
- To what extent is artificial intelligence impacting the film industry?
- How should a person’s media presence be utilized in the hiring process?
- How has the changing nature of media impacted dynamics of elections?
Theme B: Sports and Recreation
- To what extent, if any, should amateur Olympic athletes be paid or sponsored for training and participation?
- Are enough safety measures in place to address traumatic brain injuries in middle and high school athletics?
- To what extent is turf or grass better for football and soccer?
- To what extent do spectator sports events help a local economy?
Theme C: Environmental Issues
- How well do Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) policies regulate wildlife population?
- What lessons, if any, can forestry experts learn from the Menominee Nation (incorporated as the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin)?
- To what extent have green industries in Wisconsin been successful?
- What measures, if any, should the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) implement to safeguard the environment for hunting and fishing?
2008-onward: Same as high school
2008
1. Address the Board of Education: Present your viewpoint on cuts to co-curricular/extracurricular activities.
2. Speech to motivate or encourage.
3. Speech to nominate someone/group to the “Music Hall of Fame”, (living or dead.)
4. Presenting a tribute to your Grandparents(s).
5. Presenting a Video Review: You are presenting you review of a video to a three member teacher panel who will make a selection of a video to be shown in the auditorium to your grade level class.
2009
Same as previous year.
2010
Same as previous year.
2011
1. Address the Board of Education or Parent Advisory Committee
2. Speech to promote a Service Learning Project
3. Speech to welcome home a local hero
4. Address your class about a local historic site
2012
1. Address the Board of Education: Present your viewpoint on cuts to co-curricular/extra curricular activities.
2. Address the Student Council: How can your school “Go Green”.
3. Speech to motivate or encourage
4. Speech to nominate someone/group to the “Music Hall of Fame” (living or dead).
5. Presenting a tribute to your Grandparent(s).
6. Presenting a Video Review: You are presenting your review of a video to a three member teacher panel who will make a selection of a video to be shown in the auditorium to your grade level class.
2013
Same as previous year.
2014
Same as previous year.
2015
1. Address the Board of Education: Present your viewpoint on cuts to co-curricular/extra curricular activities.
2. Address to the Student Council about healthy cafeteria food choices in your school.
3. Speech to motivate or encourage.
4. Speech to nominate someone/group to the “Music Hall of Fame” (living or dead).
5. Presenting a tribute to your Grandparent(s).
6. Presenting a Video Review: You are presenting your review of a video to a three-member teacher panel who will make a selection of a video to be shown in the auditorium to your grade level.
2016
1. Address the Board of Education: Present your viewpoint on cuts to co-curricular/extracurricular activities.
2. Address to the Student Council about healthy cafeteria food choices in your school.
3. Speech at a Charity Event
4. Political Victory or Concession Speech
5. Presenting a tribute to your Grandparent(s).
6. Presenting a Video Review: You are presenting your review of a video to a three-member teacher panel who will make a selection of a video to be shown in the auditorium to your
grade level.
2017
1. Present viewpoints to your local school board on cuts to co-curricular/extra curricular activities
2. Address the student council about healthy cafeteria food choices in your school
3. Deliver a sales pitch for a new product or invention
4. Give a political victory or concession speech
5. Present a tribute to someone who has impacted your life
6. Present a video review to a three-member teacher panel who will make a selection of a video to be shown in your school’s auditorium.
2018
1. Present viewpoints to local school board on cuts to co-curricular/extracurricular activities.
2. Address the student council about healthy cafeteria food choices in your school.
3. Deliver a sales pitch for a new product or invention.
4. Give a political victory or concession speech.
5. Present a tribute to someone who has impacted your life.
6. Present a video review to a three-member teacher panel who will make a selection of a video to be shown in your school’s auditorium.
2019
1. A principal’s welcome to incoming students
2. A recruitment speech
3. A ribbon cutting speech
4. A school office candidacy speech
5. A tribute to someone who has impacted your life
6. A pitch to support a community organization
2020
1. Opening argument for a trial
2. A speech to decline an award
3. End of the year banquet speech
4. Press conference to announce product recall
5. Pitch to school board on a topic important to middle level students
6. Speech explaining standards of a new dress code
7. Speech urging equity in funding both arts and athletics
2021
- New product launch announcement
- Rally speech focused on cause/issue
- Speech arguing against school program budget cuts
- Eulogy for a political figure
- Newly-elected official announcing priorities for first few months in office
- Speech welcoming students back to face-to-face learning after being virtual
- Speech announcing a medical advancement or breakthrough
2022-onward – same as high school