Speech and Essay Writing Contest
Ryan Murry , ELA Coordinator
rymurry@kern.org
(661) 636-4230
Students in grades four through six will respond to a common essay theme. The highest-scoring essayists from the school-based round will advance to present their essays orally as a speech within their respective grade levels at the county event.
Students entering this event must prepare an informative essay on a designated topic. Each school may nominate one essay per grade level (grades 4, 5, and 6) for the county competition. All submitted essays will be evaluated, judged, and ranked by an evaluation panel consisting of Kern County Superintendent of Schools employees.
All essays must be received by 5:00 p.m. on April 29, 2027, to be considered. A completed submission form must be submitted for each student and accompanying essay.
Essay Topic
Artificial intelligence can now create pictures, write stories and songs, generate videos, and help produce television shows and movies. Some people believe AI can make creating faster, easier, and more accessible. Others worry that relying too much on AI could replace artists, writers, musicians, actors, and other creative people.
Research how artificial intelligence is being used in creative fields today. Then answer this question: Should AI replace human creativity? Why or why not?
Use evidence from your research, specific examples, and your own reasoning to support your position.
Essays Due
April 29, 2027
Speech Competition
May 13, 2027 – 6:00 p.m.
Bell Tower Plaza
1200 Truxtun Ave.
Bakersfield, CA