In every economic downturn, economic upturn, threat of war, and modern advance, U.S. leaders have addressed the nation and set the tone for what was expected of the American people.
When we aimed to send a man to the moon, when we declared war on Japan and entered WWII, and when we suffered the most deadly terrorist attack on American soil, presidents and their speech writers quickly went to work, seeking the right words to represent the moment and their call to action. In the 250 years of the country’s history, presidents have collectively given thousands of speeches, though some stand out in voters minds more than others.
What presidential speech sticks out most to you? What line caught your attention and has maintained it since? As USA TODAY
looks to continue coverage of the country’s 250th anniversary, we want to learn what moments in history mattered most to Americans like you.
Share your thoughts in the form and learn more aboutUSA TODAY's student civics contestbelow.
Make Your Speech
USA TODAY has partnered with SUNN — a nonprofit organization publishing the nation’s best student journalism and civic media — to launch a series of three contests calling on middle and high schoolers to share their vision of America.
Make Your Speech, the second of these non-partisan contests, invites young Americans to step up to the political podium. We’re asking them to imagine that they’ve just been elected as president and they’re delivering their first inaugural address in a 2-3 minute video. We want to be inspired, educated, and motivated by their agenda for a four-year term — and united across political divides.
This contest is not just an opportunity for the rising generation, but also for adults to learn from the dreams, worries and priorities of young voices that often go unheard.
Quick Contest Facts:
- The contest portal opened for submissions on Sept. 10, 2026, and closes at midnight, Pacific time, on Oct. 30, 2026.
- To enter, students or a parent/guardian submit a 2-3 minute video of the student delivering an inaugural presidential address and the written text of the speech via the submissions portal.
- Entrants must be in grades 5-12; a parent/guardian must submit for students aged 12 and younger.
- Entries will be judged in two categories: middle school and high school. Dialog Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt University is providing the monetary awards.
- 1st place winners will receive $1,000
- 2nd place winners: $750
- 3rd place: $500.
Krista Johnson covers education and children. Have story ideas or questions? Contact her at kjohnson3@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: America 250: What presidential speech resonates most with you?
