2025 Merced County Speech Festival Winners Announced at Awards Ceremony

Winners of the 2025 Merced County Speech Festival were announced Thursday, April 10, at the MCOE Downtown Center, where students from Westside Elementary, Burbank Elementary, Weaver and Our Lady of Mercy Schools earned first place for their speechcraft and public speaking skills.

More than 100 students from 16 schools participated in the four-day competition, which was held from March 31 through April 4. 

The top three winners of each grade level received awards for their speeches. Additionally, certificates were awarded to students who received honorable mentions through eighth place. The winning speeches were selected from each grade level by judges who evaluated students on speech structure, delivery, interpretation and overall presentation. 

Students who earned first place were invited to recite their award-winning speeches again for family, friends and audience members during the awards ceremony. 

The 2025 Merced County Speech Festival Award Winners: 

FIRST PLACE 
4th Grade: Jaycee Walsh, Westside Elementary School
5th Grade: Abrar Elhanafy, Burbank Elementary School
6th Grade: Michael Hicks, Our Lady of Mercy School
7th Grade: Alonna Campos, Weaver Middle School
8th Grade: Isabella Perez, Our Lady of Mercy School

SECOND PLACE
4th Grade: Jasneet Chouhan, Westside Elementary School
5th Grade: Rylee Atkins, Gustine Elementary School
6th Grade: Logann Albrecht, Burbank Elementary School
7th Grade: Kyra Garcia, Bryant Middle School
8th Grade: Owen Pedrozo, Our Lady of Mercy School

THIRD PLACE
4th Grade: Leilani Faraone, Our Lady of Mercy School
5th Grade: Gianna Silva, Our Lady of Mercy School
6th Grade: Adison Martinez, Burbank Elementary School
7th Grade: Paloma Day, Our Lady of Mercy School
8th Grade: Nadia Ziller, Our Lady of Mercy School
 
The competition was sponsored by the Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU).