Winners of the 2026 Merced County Speech Festival Announced at Awards Ceremony

Winners of the 2026 Merced County Speech Festival were announced Wednesday, April 29, at the MCOE Downtown Center, where students from Burbank Elementary and Our Lady of Mercy Schools earned first place for their speechcraft and public speaking skills.

Nearly 100 Merced County students participated in the competition, which was held from April 13 through April 22.

The top three winners of each grade level received awards for their speech writing and performances. Several students also received honorable mentions for their work. Speeches were judged based on structure, delivery, interpretation and overall presentation. 

First place winners from each grade level were invited to recite their award-winning speeches again for family, friends and audience members during the awards ceremony. 

The 2026 Merced County Speech Festival Award Winners:

FIRST PLACE 
4th Grade: Gia Griggs, Our Lady of Mercy, “Smartphones and Kids”
5th Grade: Leilani Faraone, Our Lady of Mercy, “Sportsmanship”
6th Grade: Abrar Elhanafy, Burbank Elementary, “Skills and Confidence”
7th Grade: Serafina Day, Our Lady of Mercy, “A.I.”
8th Grade: Paloma Day, Our Lady of Mercy, “4H”

SECOND PLACE
4th Grade: Jerry Luna, Westside Elementary, “Environment/Recycle”
5th Grade: Matthew Ziller, Our Lady of Mercy, “Math”
6th Grade: Essileyeh Kouadio, Our Lady of Mercy, “Genetic Altering”
7th Grade: Mikel Moreno, Ballico School, “Dangers of Technology”
8th Grade: Kyra Garcia, Bryant Middle, “Reading”

THIRD PLACE
4th Grade: Avika Sharma, Burbank Elementary, “Freedom of Speech”
5th Grade: Regan Burns, Our Lady of Mercy, “Animal Testing”
6th Grade: Gianna Silva, Our Lady of Mercy, “Ultra Processed Food”
7th Grade: Sophia Ostdiek, Our Lady of Mercy, “No Homework”
8th Grade: Sergio Garcia, Our Lady of Mercy, “Community Service”