OKEECHOBEE -- The Okeechobee Soil and Water Conservation District has announced its annual speech contest open to all Okeechobee students (public, private, or homeschooled) in grades 6 through 12.

The theme for this year’s contest is “May the Forest Be with You Always.” This theme underscores the critical interplay between soil and water conservation and the resilience of our forests. Forests play multifaceted roles in sustaining our planet, serving as sources of oxygen, carbon storage, and vibrant hubs of biodiversity. They function as steadfast protectors of soil and water resources, preventing erosion, purifying contaminants, and nurturing healthy watersheds.

The entry deadline is Tuesday, April 9 at 4 p.m. and the speeches are to be delivered to the USDA Service Center located at 452 US Highway 98 North or emailed to victoria.wheeler@okeechobeeswcd.org, along with the signed entry/release form. The winner of the local competition will be entered in an area competition (multi-district) and may then advance to the State Competition.

For a complete list of rules and entry form, visit www.okeechobeeswcd.org/speech-contest.