The Phillip Maynard Black History Month Speech Contest
Since the winter term of 2009, the Phillip Maynard Black History Month Contest has served as a cultural and interactive public speaking event. Students enrolled in introductory level public speaking courses compete for top prizes by delivering informative speeches related to the celebration of American Black History. The years of successful competition have been the result of an effective collaboration between the Communication Department and the Aspire program.
Formerly known as the Black History Month Speech Contest, the event was renamed in 2014 to honor Communication Professor Phillip D. Maynard, whose contributions to the study of Communication and to the Mt. SAC community have left an indelible mark on all who encountered him. His work and memory continues to inspire students, faculty, staff, and administrators alike.
Awards
Over the years, Communication faculty have awarded more than $3,500 to students for their high achievement in the contest. Although individual award amounts vary, first place winners often earn $200.00 or more for their presentation.
Who can compete?
Mt. SAC students enrolled in a Public Speaking course (SPCH 1A, 1AH) and/or the Aspire program during the winter term may sign up for the Maynard Contest to be held during the same winter term.
Previous Public Speaking students or students enrolled in public speaking for an upcoming term are not eligible to compete.
For more information, contact Tamieka Hunter at thunter5@mtsac.edu or the Aspire Office (909)274-6396.
Contest Rules
Eligibility Requirements:
- Mt. SAC students enrolled in a Public Speaking course (SPCH 1A, 1AH) and/or the Aspire program during the winter term may sign up for the Maynard Contest to be held during the same winter term.
- Students must be available to speech on the publicized date of the Maynard Contest.
Speech Content Requirements:
- Speeches must inform the audience about a significant person or event in American Black History.
- Topics should bring new information to a college educated audience and reflect research from multiple academic sources.
- Speeches must be the original work of the student.
Speech Delivery Requirements:
- Time limit is 5-7 minutes.
- A visual or audio aid is highly suggested but power point/computer aided visuals are not available in the venue. Costumes or props/objects must be utilized to meet this requirement.
- No full manuscripts allowed; students should speak from limited note cards or use no notes.
- Delivery must be loud, dynamic, and thoroughly prepared. No microphones are available.
Students seeking assistance in preparing their speeches may visit a tutor in the Speech and Sign Success Center (SSSC) in 26B. Call (909) 594-5611 x6297 for an appointment.
How to Sign Up?
- Make an appointment at the Speech and Sign Success Center (SSSC) to video record your Maynard Contest speech. Appointments are required.
- Video recorded speeches are due at the SSSC ONE WEEK BEFORE THE DATE OF THE COMPETITION (check with faculty for hours and location).
- Contestants must be heard clearly in the video. (It's OK to be LOUD!)
- Contestants must stand during the recording and ensure they can be seen in the video from head to foot.
- Upon completion of video recording at SSSC, enter your name, speech title, student ID number, and a telephone number on the Maynard Contest sign-up sheet at the SSSC.
More about Professor Phillip Maynard
Mt. SAC Mourns the Passing of Professor Phillip D. Maynard
by Melanie C. Johnson, Patch Staff
WALNUT, Calif. Mt. San Antonio College Communication Professor Phillip D. Maynard, who taught speech classes at the college for 23 years, passed away on Jan. 4 at age 66.This is a sad moment for Mt. SAC as the college mourns the passing of one of its most celebrated and popular faculty members, said Mt. SAC President Bill Scroggins. He not only was a valued faculty leader on our campus, but he was also an impactful leader statewide to improve the quality of instruction for millions of students throughout California.¨
Maynard began teaching at Mt. SAC full-time in 1990. He was actively involved in addressing diversity on campus through extensive faculty training, and he developed the college's inter-cultural communication course. He served as an advisor to various student organizations at Mt. SAC, including the Muslim Student Association, the Inter-Cultural Awareness Council, the Associated Students, and others. He also mentored innumerable students across all cultures and was highly regarded by those he taught in his popular speech communication classes and by those he coached on Mt. SAC's nationally ranked Forensics Team.
His passing is a tremendous loss for the entire Mt. SAC family, particularly his current and former students as well as his campus colleagues,¨said Humanities and Social Sciences Dean Jim Jenkins. He had a passion for teaching in a dynamic way that uniquely connected with students. They truly admired him.
During his distinguished tenure at Mt. SAC, Maynard served as president of the Academic Senate and in 2004 was appointed to serve on the State Academic Senate, which represents faculty throughout California's community college system. In 2002, he delivered the keynote address at Mt. SAC's 56th Commencement, and he earned numerous honors, including the Educator of Distinction Award in 2010, the Community Service Award of the National Council of Negro Women in 2012, and the National Campus Faculty Award in 2001, given by the Center for the Study of Diversity in Teaching and Learning.
Prior to coming to Mt. SAC, Maynard worked as an executive director for an urban social service agency and later served as deputy director for CETA, one of the first government-funded job-training initiatives for low-income persons.
Maynard received his bachelors and masters degrees from California State University, Fresno.
