AAUW CA launched Speech Trek in 2007, and seeks to promote understanding and communication of gender-equity and mission-critical issues among high school students through their research, preparation and presentation of high-quality speeches. The annual competition also promotes the value of public speaking as an invaluable life and leadership skill.

2018-2019 Topic: How Can We Eliminate Violence Aimed at Our Schools?

First Place: Dominique Ruedaflores – Poway/Penasquitos Branch

9th Grade, Ramona Convent Secondary School, Alhambra
Dominique participates in Varsity Soccer, Varsity Track, and the Ambassadors Club. Her love for soccer began at a young age, which led her to play competitively on a club soccer team for the last four years. She is a former member of Future Business Leaders of America where she competed in public speaking competitions. Since the age of five, Dominique has had a speech disability and uses public speaking as an outlet to overcome her stutter/blockage. Dominique is passionate about public speaking as it creates a safe platform for young people to share their stories and to be heard.

Second Place: Sophia Ruster – Morgan Hill Branch

11th Grade, Oakwood High School, Morgan Hill
Sofia Ruster has a love for writing and history. “When not in class, my main passions are theater, politics, and literature. Writing and public speaking have been things I’ve valued in my life, as I believe everyone’s voice deserves to be able to be heard. I’m honored to be delivering my speech for you all today.”

Third Place: Christine Corry – Roseville/South Placer Branch

9th Grade, Granite Bay High School, in Granite Bay
Christine is very active in her school’s theatre program and has been performing at local theatres for years; she believes this is where her passion for public speaking originated. When she is not focused on her schoolwork or rehearsing for a show, Christine is likely attending a GSA meeting, working on passion projects such as creative stories and opinion pieces on relevant issues, or writing a speech. She plans to apply to prestigious colleges, both locally and internationally, and then pursue a career as a professor or politician.