Julia C. Black
Memorial Scholarship Speech Contest
Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Julia C. Black Memorial Speech Contest & Scholarship. This annual competition, open to high school students in grades 9-12, offers an opportunity to explore Florida's citrus industry while developing public speaking skills.
“Identify a Pivotal Moment in the Florida Citrus Industry and How It Has Shaped the Industry Today.”
The contest features two levels: district and state. District competitions will take place in January 2025 and state finals scheduled for March. Winners at the district level receive cash prizes, while state-level winners can earn scholarship awards up to $1,000, along with accommodations for the Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference in June. The contest and scholarship are named in honor of the late Julia Christine Black, daughter of long-time FCM members Larry and Jenny Black. Julia died in October 2023 at the age of 16 after a sudden cardiac arrest caused by a pericardial infection. Interested students must submit a complete application by December 30, 2024.
Applications can be emailed to Melanie Burns at melanieb@flcitrusmutual.com or mailed to Florida Citrus Mutual, P.O Box 1576, Bartow, FL 33831.
REGIONAL TOURNAMENT
SCHEDULE
SPEECH CONTEST
Hernando, Lake Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Seminole and Volusia
January 22, 2025 / 4 – 6 p.m.
Lake County Ag Center
1951 Woodlea Rd
Tavares, FL 32778
Brevard, Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie
January 10, 2025 / 4 – 6 p.m.
USDA / ARS
2001 South Rock Road
Ft. Pierce FL 34945
Highlands and Okeechobee
January 16, 2025 / 4 – 6 p.m.
Highlands County CGA Office
6419 US Hwy 27 S
Sebring FL 33876
Hillsborough and Polk
January 14, 2025 / 4 – 6 p.m.
UF IFAS Extension Polk County
1702 Hwy 17 S
Bartow FL 33830
Hardee and Manatee
January 9, 2025 / 4 – 6 p.m.
UF IFAS Hardee County Extension
507 Civic Center Drive
Wauchula FL 33873
DeSoto and Sarasota
January 6, 2025 / 4 – 6 p.m.
UF IFAS Extension Sarasota County
6700 Clark Road (Twin Lakes Park, Green Building)
Sarasota FL 34241
Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee
January 17, 2025 / 4 – 6 p.m.
Hendry County Ext Office
1085 Pratt Blvd
LaBelle FL 339358