WIN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SPEAKING!
PURPOSE
Since its start in 1928, the Optimist Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International. The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship.
WHO
Youth under the age of 19 as of October 1 of the current Optimist International contest year (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 should prepare a 4-5 minute speech on the assigned topic, complete the “Application for Optimist International Oratorical Contest“, and submit application by March 8 to JoePuglia94@gmail.com.
BONITA OPTIMIST CLUB COMPETITION
Bonita Optimist Club Oratorical Entries will compete at the virtual Optimist Club Contest for a chance to win first, second, or third place scholarship of $500, $400, or $300 respectively.
OPTIMIST ZONE COMPETITION
The Bonita Optimist Club Oratorical Contest Winner will compete at the Optimist Zone level Contest in mid April.
OPTIMIST DISTRICT COMPETITIONS
The Zone level Optimist Club Oratorical Contest Winner will compete at the Optimist CALSO District Contest in May for a chance to win up to a $2,500 scholarship.
OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL ORATORICAL REGIONAL & WORLD COMPETITIONS
One Optimist District Winner will compete at the Optimist Regional Contest at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. The Regional Scholarship award is $5,000. Scholarship must be redeemed by the age of 25. Each Regional Winner will compete in the World Championship Contest for a chance to win a first, second, or third place scholarship of $15,000, $10,000, or $5,000 respectively. The Regional & World Championship Contests will be held in July, at Saint Louis University.
