Walter Deptula Public Speaking & Essay Contest

The Water Deptula Public Speaking & Essay Contest was started in 1984 in memory of long-time Kiwanian Walter Deptula to recognize outstanding writing and public speaking by 8th-grade students.

Each year, students are invited to write an essay of approximately 400 words on any subject. The English Language Arts Departments of Edison, Lincoln, and Washington Middle Schools select the six best essays from their respective schools as finalists.

The six finalists from each school advance to the Deptula Contest. Each student’s written essay is read and scored by a panel of judges, and students present their essays orally for the judges to review. More than $1,000 in prizes will be distributed at the Contest.

This year’s Deptula Contest will be held Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6:00pm at Washington Middle School. Students entering the Contest must be available to attend the event on April 6.

An administrator or teacher must upload the submissions for their school’s six finalists by Wednesday, March 18, 2026 via Google Forms (click the blue button below). Each submission must include:
● A typed, double-spaced essay of approximately 400 words.
● An essay/photo/video release signed by the student’s parent or guardian, giving permission for the student to be photographed/recorded at the in-person Contest and for their essay to be shared.

Before the in-person Contest, Kiwanis will provide each school with detailed event information to be shared with finalists and their families. The event will be open to families, teachers, and the community.

If you have any questions regarding the Walter Deptula Public Speaking and Essay Contest, email [email protected].