The Optimists of Downtown Detroit proudly hosted their annual Club Level Oratorical Competition on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Remas Restaurant in Hamtramck. The event brought together club members, judges, students from Hamtramck Public Schools, and honored guests for an evening centered on youth empowerment, public speaking, and community connection.
A Tradition of Empowering Youth Voices
This long-standing program continues to make a meaningful impact thanks to the leadership of retired Hamtramck Public Schools educator Rahiel Housey-Johnson. Supporting her efforts were dedicated HPS staff members Heather Walsh, Karen Swords, Sarah Troxtel, and Kristina Gacesa, all of whom played key roles in organizing and supporting the event.
Honoring Dedication and Legacy
The evening included a heartfelt moment of silence in memory of Jacqueline Johnson, a long-time Optimist and passionate supporter of the Oratorical Contest. Her legacy of encouraging youth to find their voice continues to inspire the program today.
Talented Student Competitors
This year’s competition featured an impressive group of student speakers who delivered thoughtful and powerful speeches on the topic:
“The Moment I Realized I Belonged — My Definition of Community.”
Participating students included:
- Faiza Zarin, 6th Grade – Dickinson East Elementary
- Muhsin Alhadi, 9th Grade – Hamtramck High School
- Nabiha Chowdhury, 9th Grade – Hamtramck High School
- Md. Ezaz Miah, 8th Grade – Kosciuszko Middle School
Each student demonstrated exceptional poise, creativity, and insight, making the competition incredibly close.
A Remarkably Close Competition
Judges Lois Deneau, Maureen McDonald, and Mohamed Rajon had the difficult task of selecting a winner from a highly competitive field. The final scores reflected just how tight the competition was, with only a single point separating the top two contestants.
In the end, Muhsin Alhadi earned the top honor and will advance to the Zone Level Competition, which will be held via Zoom on Saturday, April 18.
Recognizing Excellence
All participating students will be formally recognized for their achievements at the upcoming Law Day/Winners’ Circle Ceremony on May 6, where they will receive awards and certificates celebrating their hard work and accomplishments.
Community Support and Special Guests
The event was further elevated by the presence of distinguished guests, including Michigan Optimists Lieutenant Governor Juanita Bell and Hamtramck Public Schools educator Heather Walsh, whose support highlights the importance of programs that invest in youth development.
Building Confidence, One Speech at a Time
The Optimist Oratorical Contest continues to be a cornerstone program that helps young people build confidence, develop communication skills, and explore their understanding of community and belonging.
The Optimists of Downtown Detroit remain committed to creating opportunities like this that empower the next generation of leaders.
