ACSI Student Leadership and Learning Hosts Virtual Speech Challenge

Middle school students from the United States and the Dominican Republic participated in a virtual speech and rhetoric challenge as part of the ACSI Student Leadership & Learning program, “Voices in the Middle: Empowered to Inspire,” on March 11, 2026. 

The program, inspired by 1 Timothy 4:12, encourages students to develop leadership and communication skills while using their voices to make a positive impact. 

This year’s theme, “Human Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence: What Sets Us Apart?” prompted students to deliver three- to five-minute talk-style speeches highlighting traits uniquely given to humans from God. More than 50 students participated, focusing on topics such as creativity, empathy, and moral reasoning. 

Organizers introduced a Judges’ Choice Award this year, selecting one overall winner from the following six finalists: 

• Lyric Micai, Foundation Academy, Winter Garden, Florida  

• Adam García De La Cruz, Ashton School, Dominican Republic  

• Diego Taveras, Ashton School, Dominican Republic  

• Katia Ford, Foundation Academy, Winter Garden, Florida  

• Addison Nono, California Crosspoint Academy, Hayward, California  

• Addisyn Holland, Sandpoint Christian School, Ponderay, Idaho  

   

Addisyn Holland was named the Judges’ Choice Award winner. Her speech on discernment will be featured on the ACSI Student Leadership & Learning Speech & Rhetoric webpage. 

The program brings together students to develop public speaking skills and explore topics related to faith, leadership, and culture. 

Emily Pigott, ACSI Vice President of Educational Resources and Student Programs, shares the impact that this event had on students. 

“Students don’t just need a voice; they need the confidence and conviction to use it with purpose. What we witnessed in this challenge was more than skill development; it was the formation of young leaders learning to think deeply, communicate clearly, and engage culture through a biblical worldview.”