FALLBROOK – Seven AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students being mentored by members of the Fallbrook branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) are participating in Speech Trek, a AAUW California speech competition for high school students. The program is in its sixth year and Fallbrook is participating for the first time this year.

The seven Fallbrook girls have researched a designated topic and will give a five minute speech on the subject. The top winner chosen at the local level will compete with girls from around the state and the three top statewide finalists will perform their speeches at the AAUW California convention this April for top honors and a cash award.

The 2012 theme is "Bullying.....So What?" A national epidemic, bullying is more widespread than ever. In a recent report of high school students 50 percent of students admit to having bullied; 47 percent to having been bullied and 24 percent of students report to not feeling safe in school today because of bullying. The AAUW has researched and published reports on this epidemic. 

The AVID girls are being coached by Doug Smith, noted speech and drama teacher, director and actor. A graduate of the Theater Arts and Drama department at UCLA, he has taught in the Fallbrook school system as well as other area schools for 32 years. He is also a lifetime Fallbrook resident. AAUW is honored to have Smith coaching their students.

The public is invited to attend the Fallbrook Speech Trek competition to hear these students as they give their insight on "Bullying…So What?" The presentation will be Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Fallbrook Public Library.