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.
“The Moment I Realized I Belonged — My Definition of Community”
Who:
The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1st of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1 – September 30) and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent, including CEGEP students in Québec, Canada. There is no minimum age.
Residence:
Student must reside in the State of Michigan – Lower Peninsula
Language:
The essay must be written in English
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 Oratorical Chair for the Michigan District at oratorical@michiganoptimists.org.
A list of participating clubs will be posted in early December.
Optimist Clubs or parents wanting more information can use the form at the bottom of this page or please email the Michigan District Oratorical Chair at oratorical@michiganoptimists.org.
Clubs wishing to participate in the Oratorical Contest, send an email to oratorical@michiganoptimists.org with the following information:
- Name of your Optimist Club
- Name of the Chairperson
- Chairperson’s Phone Number
- Chairperson’s Email Address
Resources
Oratorical Contest2025 – 2026 Local Clubs Participating in Oratorical Contest
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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.