Texas Lions District 2-E2 Drug Awareness Speech Contest

The Lions of District 2-E2 invite high school students to raise their voices for healthy, drug-free communities. The Drug Awareness Speech Contest challenges you to research a timely issue, take a stand, and deliver a compelling 5–7 minute speech before a panel of judges. District winners advance to the Texas Lions MD-2 State Contest and are eligible for additional recognition and scholarships.

Examine the potential benefits and risks of prescription weight-loss medications for teens, particularly GLP-1 agonists (e.g., liraglutide, semaglutide). Consider short- and long-term health effects (such as gastrointestinal issues, pancreatitis, gallbladder concerns, and possible impacts on growth, bone density, and muscle mass). Address whether weight loss is always the best path to health for adolescents and present practical, evidence-based solutions for families, schools, and communities.

Are you ready to make a difference? The Drug Awareness Speech Contest is your chance to lead with your voice and serve your community. You’ll:

• Build Confidence: Sharpen your public speaking, research, and communication skills.
• Stand for Health: Help your peers understand the importance of healthy choices and responsible decisions.
• Earn Recognition: Compete for scholarships, awards, and the opportunity to represent District 2-E2 at the State level.

If you’re passionate about helping others and ready to speak up, this contest is for you. Step to the microphone—your ideas can inspire real change and create a healthier future for your generation.

Each year, District 2-E2 honors the top student speakers with scholarships recognizing excellence in communication, research, and service.

• 1st Place: $3,000 scholarship and advancement to the Texas Lions MD-2 State Contest
• 2nd Place: $2,000 scholarship
• 3rd Place: $1,000 scholarship

The District winner advances to represent District 2-E2 at the Texas Lions MD-2 State Contest, where contestants from across Texas compete for additional scholarships:

• State 1st Place: $3,000 scholarship
• State 2nd Place: $2,000 scholarship
• State 3rd Place: $1,000 scholarship

Winners are recognized at both the District and State levels, and the top speakers are invited to share their speeches at special Lions events and youth luncheons. The State first-place winner will present their winning speech at the MD-2 State Convention Youth Luncheon in Odessa, Texas, on May 30, 2026.

• Students enrolled in a Texas public high school or comparable program.
• Classification: Junior, Senior, or immediate graduate at the time of the District 2-E2 contest.
• Sponsored by a participating Lions Club (we can help you find one—see “Questions?” below).

1. Secure a Sponsoring Lions Club. If you need help, contact the District coordinator (see below).
2. Complete the Official MD-2 Opportunities for Youth Application. The application must be completed online and printed; handwritten applications are not accepted.
3. Write & Practice Your Speech. Prepare a 5–7 minute speech on the assigned topic, focusing on analysis, solutions, and credible sources.
4. Submit Required Materials to your sponsoring club by their deadline. Clubs forward qualified entries to the District according to District instructions.

• Length: 5 to 7 minutes (time signals are provided; penalties may apply for going over; speeches under 5:00 or over 7:30 may be disqualified).
• Delivery: Speeches are delivered from memory without notes, cue cards, visual aids, slides, or props.
• Originality & Sources: Present well-researched arguments and practical solutions. If you cite facts, identify your sources (title, author, year) within the speech.
• Order of Speaking: Determined by draw. Contestants remain outside the room until called and do not self-introduce beyond stating their name.
• State Contest: Conducted online (business attire required). Orientation and contest dates are listed below.

• Club Submission Window: Please confirm your sponsoring club’s internal deadline (recommended by early December).
• District 2-E2 Contest (In-Person Speeches): Saturday, January 17 – Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 6606 Pleasant Run Rd., Colleyville, TX 76034
• State Orientation (Online): Saturday, May 9
• MD-2 State Contest (Online): Saturday, May 16
• MD-2 Convention Youth Luncheon (Odessa): Saturday, May 30 – State first-place winner presents.