In the next six weeks, students will be facing off in the annual Optimist International Oratorical Contest. The topic this year is "How my best brings out the best in others."Beginning at the Optimist Club level, students prepare a 4 to 5 minute speech on the official topic. Complete rules may be found at this link.
Club-level winners advance to the Super Zone Contest on April 2, 2016. Locations in Idaho, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia may be learned by contacting committee chairperson Dick Disney.
The winning contestants from each Super Zone will advance to the PNW District - Optimist International competition taking place in conjunction with the 3rd Quarter Meeting in Vancouver, Washington, April 29-30, 2016. Meeting details follow:
Hampton Inn & Suites
315 SE Olympia Drive
Vancouver, WA 98684
360.891.3000
Hotel registration should be made by March 29. Rates from $129 USD/night.
Optimist Club member and guest registration
Contestant and parent/guardian registration
Each year, Optimist Clubs award $240,000 in scholarships to youths during the Optimist International Oratorical Contest. Beginning in 2016, there will be an extended contest bringing the prize money available to more than $300,000.
District-level winners will advance, for the first time, to a Regional Contest and 8 Regional winners will then move forward to an International-level competition. The Optimist International Oratorical World Championships will be conducted in conjunction with St. Louis University and will include contstants from around the world. A single scholarship of $15,000 will be awarded at this level. Learn more about the new program here.
