Optimist Oratorical Competition

Your students, who were under 19 years of age on December 31, 2010, are eligible to enter the Optimist International Oratorical Competition. The topic for the 2011-2012 contest is: “How My Optimism Helps Me Overcome Obstacles.” Speeches must be between four and five minutes and follow the guidelines exactly. If your school hasn’t been notified about this competition, contact an Optimist Club in your region because the speeches are first judged at the local level. District awards for winners will include two $2500 scholarships or three scholarships of $2500, $1500, and $1000. For additional information, rules, and entry form, go to the Optimist International site and download the speech pdf. Contact your local Optimist Club about dates for local, regional, and district level competitions. [These are usually held in March or April.]