15th Annual JJMCMC Spelling Bee and Oratorical Competition

Please join us for the Jack and Jill, Montgomery County Maryland Chapter (JJMCMC)15th Annual Spelling Bee and Benjamin E. Mays Oratorical Competition.

The Spelling Bee is open to Jack and Jill members in the DMV and Maryland residents in Grades 1-5.

The Benjamin E. Mays Oratorical Competition is open to Jack and Jill members in the DMV and Maryland residents in Grades 6-8 (Division I) and Grades 9-12 (Division II).

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Time: 10 am to 2 pm. Registration begins at 9:30 am

Location: Montgomery College, Rockville Campus 51 Mannakee St, Rockville, MD 20850

Online registration closes Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Spelling bee rounds will be held in a closed classroom with one parent/guardian present.

Word list: Word list will be available 2 weeks before the event.

Rules: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yxHeZTo-3106gLMbNEAIaYGht89Se2uS/view?usp=drive_link

Instructional Video:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dCMjj3PyMpci99tXw6KUKkbYwZHi0CDW/view?usp=share_link

Contestants will start with words from the assigned word lists and advance to above-grade word lists based on the correct spelling of words. All words on each grade level word list may not be exhausted before spellers proceed to additional words not included on the word lists.

During the competition, contestants can ask the judges to:

• Repeat the Word
• Provide a Definition
• Provide the Part of Speech
• Use the word in a Sentence

Medals are awarded to first through third place in each grade.

Students participating in the Oratorical Competition can choose from ONE of the following topics:

1. "Service to your people is the rent you pay for living on this earth." - Dr. Lillie May Carroll Jackson. What does this mean to you?

2. What social justice pioneers brought hope and positive change to our nation during a time of darkness? How can we continue their work today?

3. Is a college degree still worth the investment in today's economy?

A copy of the written speech, including works cited/references (if used), must be submitted to [email protected] by Thursday, February 19, 2026 [Thursday before].

The judges’ decisions are final. Middle school students will compete against middle school students, and high school students will compete against high school students.

Speeches are to be researched, written, and developed by the contestants. However, parents are allowed to assist with grammar and spelling. Students may be coached and/or advised in final preparation for the competition.

A copy of the written speech, including works cited/references (if used), must be submitted to [email protected] by Thursday, February 19, 2026 [Thursday before].

1. Competitors must state their topic prior to commencing the speech. A three-point penalty will be deducted for failure to comply. Any salutation to judges, audience members, etc., should be given prior to the announcement of the topic.

2. A speech may not be less than one and a half minutes (90 seconds) or more than two minutes (120 seconds) in length.

3. Timing of the speech begins immediately after the speaker gives the topic. Timing stops when the speaker finishes. The official timekeeper will make all determinations regarding the actual length of the speeches. The timekeeper’s decisions are final. Competitors may use notes.

4. Any quotation or copyrighted material used in the speech must be identified verbally during the presentation and in the written copy of the speech with the original author’s name.

A. Personal Factors – Maximum 20 points – appearance, personality, poise, and body language will be considered.

B. Content of Speech – Maximum 35 points - subject adherence, theme, content, organization, and logic will be considered.

C. Delivery and Presentation – Maximum 35 points – body language, voice, volume, pronunciation, gestures, eye contact, sincerity, and emphasis will be considered.

D. Overall Effectiveness – Maximum 10 points - appeal, impression, attitude, and effect will be considered.

High School Awards- First Place: $250, Second Place: $150, Third Place: $100

Middle School Awards- First Place: $125, Second Place: $75, Third Place: $50

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions? All inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

When are speeches due for the Oratorical Competition? Speeches are due by Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Have questions about the Annual JJMCMC Spelling Bee and Benjamin E. Mays Oratorical Competition? Contact [email protected]

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