2025-26 Speech Contest

Congratulations to all Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) students who participated in the 2025-26 Speech Contest. Students in 4th, 5th, 6th, and middle school throughout the district delivered speeches answering the prompt: “What Makes a Strong Community?”

Over 100 students competed in the district-level semifinals, with 22 advancing to the finals. All finalists received monetary prizes thanks to the Eastlake Educational Foundation, Chula Vista Noon Rotary, and the Chula Vista Sunrise Rotary, who generously sponsored the event. 

The first-place winner of each grade level will present their speeches at the next Board of Education, Chula Vista City Council, City of Chula Vista Managers and Council, and Chula Vista Noon Rotary meetings.

Thank you to the judges who volunteered their time for the event. Throughout the four-day event, we had professionals from the San Diego County Office of Education, the Sweetwater Union High School District, the City of Chula Vista, Sharp Chula Vista, Republic Services, Gallaghers, U.S. House of Representatives, NBC 7, ABC 10 San Diego, McGraw Hill, Chula Vista Police Department, South Bay and Border View Family YMCA, and North Island Credit Union.

The district is grateful for your support and dedication to helping our students find their voice.

4th Grade

First Place Winner – Zeejay Angel Fierro, Harborside Elementary

Second Place Winner – Cayson William Green, Tiffany Elementary

Third Place Winner – Finn Kai Nuntapreda, Liberty Elementary

Finalist – Miles Van Vuong, Discovery Charter

Finalist – Lacey Ann MacPherson, Halecrest Elementary

Finalist – Ronan Sawyer Kruse, Olympic View Elementary

5th Grade

First Place Winner – Layla Aamoni Reeves, Olympic View Elementary

Second Place Winner – Pablo Nicolas Forero, Discovery Charter

Third Place Winner – Lilian Camille Arroyo, Chula Vista Learning Community Charter

Finalist – Amanda Flores, Allen Elementary

Finalist – Lauren Romero Mahoney, Salt Creek Elementary

Finalist – Ryan Samuel Swanson Jr., Halecrest Elementary

6th Grade

First Place Winner –  Aleah Michelle Carbajal, Heritage Elementary

Second Place Winner – Aria Alaina Janus, Sotomayor Elementary

Third Place Winner – Ily Aryanna Rodriguez, Valle Lindo Elementary

Finalist – Ellora Jones, Halecrest Elementary

Finalist – Catherine Sophia Rechif, Allen Elementary

Finalist – Kamilia Morsli, Wolf Canyon Elementary

Middle School

First Place Winner – Carter Jacob Spotser, Arroyo Vista Charter

Second Place Winner – Iris Olivia Meinung, Discovery Charter

Third Place Winner – Kayra Lucia Mendoza Nungaray, Feaster Charter

Finalist – Isabella Martinez, Arroyo Vista Charter

 

To view all the incredible speeches please visit cvesd.org/speechcontest.