Oratorical Contest
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program.
First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.
How to Change the World with Optimism
Topic for the 2024-25 school year is: “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times”
Who: Youth under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2024 (and is not enrolled as a degree-seeking student of a post-secondary institution) in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean. There is no minimum age.
How To Enter: Interested students submit a speech on the pre-assigned topic to their local Optimist Club. To find out the contact in your area, please e-mail the Michigan District Oratorical Chair at oratorical@michiganoptimists.org.
When:
Students
The deadline to enter is determined by the sponsoring Optimist Club. All Club-level contests are typically held by late March.
Clubs and Districts
The District deadline to submit winners to Optimist International is TBD. Optimist International does not set Club/Zone/Regional deadlines.
Resources
Oratorical Contest2024 – 2025 Local Clubs Participating in Oratorical Contest
Bay City Noon Optimist Club
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Sandy Dabrowski
Optimist Club of Downtown Detroit
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Rahiel Housey-Johnson
Northwest Detroit Optimist Club
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William Waterman
Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club
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Anne Sebesta
Hartland Optimist Club
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Stefanie Furge
Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo
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Wendy Wheller
Pontiac Optimist Club
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Monetta Foster
Royal Oak Optimist Club
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David Richards
Optimist Club of Southfield-Lathrup Village
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Shaleontyne *
Reminder: Oratorical Club Submissions Due This Saturday, February 15!
Attention all clubs! The deadline for submitting participation information for the District's Oratorical Contest is fast approaching—this Saturday, February 15! If your club plans to take part in this prestigious event, it's time to act quickly and ensure all...
Join the Oratorical Contest and Showcase the Voice of Young Optimists!
Is your club ready to make a difference? The 2024-2025 District Oratorical Contest is a fantastic opportunity for young people to share their voices, inspire others, and earn support for their educational journeys. If your club plans to participate, be sure to contact...
19/20 Oratorical Winner
Michigan Convention 19/20 Oratorical Winner Kalyn Mullens
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Whether you’re a parent of a student, a teacher, a youth volunteer or even an Optimist looking for more information, please use the form below and someone from the Michigan District Optimists Oratorical Committee will contact you. Be as concise as possible in the Message area.