Speech Contest 2026: A Morning of Words, Courage, and Excellence
Speech Contest 2026: A Morning of Words, Courage, and Excellence
On the evening of February 6, 2026, the Santo Tomás Auditorium became a stage for eloquence, conviction, and the powerful voice of our High School students. The occasion was the Final Round of the First Speech Contest, an initiative born from the vision of our Head Coordinator, Lic. Leticia González Mundo, and brought to life by the collective effort of the English Coordination Department.
What began in November 2025 as a classroom-based initiative to strengthen speaking skills and encourage advanced vocabulary use, grew into something far greater. Teachers Vero, Tania, Nelly, Alexei, René, and Iván worked closely with their students, coaching, guiding, and identifying their best speakers. By the last academic week of December, 15 finalists had emerged—each one ready to represent their group, their level, and their ideas on a formal stage.
The final round was structured into three categories, aligned with the Cambridge Assessment English framework, ensuring a fair and challenging competition for all participants.
🏆 Category A2 – B1+
Winner: Arturo Sanjuanero Trejo – “Christ in the Digital Age”
This category showcased young speakers taking their first major step into formal oral production. With clarity, courage, and growing confidence, each participant delivered speeches that reflected both linguistic progress and personal reflection.
Participants:
- José Mariano Díaz Fuentes
- Diego Rodríguez Ramírez – Couldn’t assist
- Camila Anelisse Frias Lince – 2° Place
- Angel Santiago Rangel Coronel – 3° Place
- Arturo Sanjuanero Trejo – Winner
🏆 Category B2
Winner: Estela Pacheco Muñoz – “A Message of Unity in a Divided World”
Considered by many to be the most competitive category, these speakers demonstrated remarkable command of complex structures, precise vocabulary, and emotional depth. Every participant delivered their speech with poise and conviction, making the jury’s decision a true challenge.
Participants:
- Nava González Isabella – 3° Place
- Estela Pacheco Muñoz – Winner
- María Rodríguez Juárez – 2 ° Place
- Rodrigo Lara Sandoval
- Lozano Alfaro Eduardo Alfredo
🏆 Category B2+ – C1
Winner: Ricardo Murguía Nuño – “Christ in the Digital Age”
The highest category was nothing short of inspiring. These speakers moved beyond linguistic accuracy into the realm of persuasion, social critique, and personal philosophy. Ricardo’s speech—on the role of social media, influencers, and the quiet power of peace-driven digital voices—left a lasting impression on both the jury and the audience.
Participants:
- Bravo Vázquez Dulce Paola – 2° Place
- Akizuki Lorenzo Iwao
- Erika Vargas Cedillo
- Ricardo Murguía Nuño – Winner
- Mendoza Olvera Patricia – 3° Place
🎤 Board of Jury Members
We were honored to count on the expertise and discernment of the following distinguished jury members:
- MGDIE Claudia Gpe. Chávez – Head Director, High School Section
- Lic. Leticia González Mundo – Head Coordinator, English Department
- Lic. Iván Valdés – Auxiliar Coordinator, English Department & Teacher
- Lic. Alexei Yasandry Miranda – Jr High & High School English Tutor
- Lic. Norma Lizbeidy del Castillo – Listening Skill Clinic & Elementary English Teacher
- Lic. Itzel Alejandra Valdés – Elementary English Teacher
- Jillian Matte – Director, International House Querétaro
Their professionalism and thoughtful evaluation ensured a transparent and inspiring competition.
👏 A Community Effort
We were delighted to see not only the English faculty, but also coordinators and teachers from other academic areas, join us in support of our students. Their presence reaffirms that language is not an isolated subject—it is the bridge to all knowledge.
📌 Looking Ahead
The First Speech Contest has set a powerful precedent. What began as a classroom encouragement grew into a school-wide celebration of voice, thought, and identity. We are already looking forward to the Second Edition, and we hope to see even more students willing to step onto the stage, speak their minds, and inspire others.
To our finalists: you have made us proud.
To the winners: your words will echo beyond this contest.
To the teachers: thank you for believing in your students.
To the families: your support made this possible.
Know yourself, accept yourself, and grow beyond.
English Coordination
Colegio Fray Luis de León
Querétaro, 2026