Optimist International 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/When to enter

All Club-level contests are held by early February. Student submissions will not be accepted after the Club-level contests have closed. Please contact your District Chair for more information.

The topic for this year is “Discovering the Optimism within Me”.

Who: Youth under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2022 (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: The Contest date is Thursday, April 6th at 6:30pm. The event will be held at the Old Schoolhouse on Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The local contact at Great Falls Optimists VA is Sheela Rao

This years' Oratorical Contest Rules and Application can be seen here