The 2009 Public Speaking Contest will be held Sunday, March 15. The final round will be held Monday, March 16 at 8 a.m. in Reliant Center.

The first Public Speaking Contest was held in Reliant Center during the 2008 Show. Open to all students in the Houston area who meet qualifications, as well as members of Texas 4-H and FFA, several speakers had the chance to speak on one division topic — Western heritage, natural resources, animal science, plant science, agribusiness, agricultural policy and agriscience. Prizes were awarded through 10th place. The final round was held on March 16. The winner received a pennant, plaque and a $400 savings bond; second place received a pennant, plaque and a $300 savings bond.

1st Place - Emily Jackson, Waco, Texas “Producer Prospective of Animal Welfare” 

2nd Place – Lauren Young, Quitaque, Texas “Energy and Water Conservation with an Emphasis on the Alternative Fuel Ethanol”