Oratorical Contest
Topic for this year is:
“ How My Actions Strengthen Those Around me"
Awards:
Club Level: $250, $150 & $75 District Level: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners receive $2,500, $1,500, $1,000 and $500 College scholarships. 1st Place will advance to the World competition in St. Louis, Missouri with an opportunity to receive UP TO $22,500 in College Scholarships. Date: July, 2026 (TBA)
Eligibility UPDATE:
- Contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1.
- Interested students submit a speech on the topic to their local optimist club.
- Combined boy and girl contests at all levels (Club-Zone-District).
- No minimum number of contestants for Club Contests.
Supporting Documents:
Oratorical Planning Guide: Planning_Guide
Oratorical Student Application: Oratorical_Application
Contact Information: Jill Rodgers (jillrodgers@sbcglobal.net)
Essay Contest
Topic for this year is:
"Finding My Voice in a World Full of Noise”
Deadline: February, 2027
Awards:
Club Level: $250, $150 & $75 District Level: 1st place receives a $2,500 College scholarships.
Eligibility Update:
Contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1, and have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent. Interested students submit their essay on the topic to their local optimist clubs.
CCDHH (Communication Contest for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing)
Topic for this year is:
“ How My Actions Strengthen Those Around me"
Awards:
Club Level: $250, $150 & $75 District Level: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners receive $2,500, $1,500, $1,000 and $500 College scholarships.
Eligibility UPDATE:
- Be enrolled in and attending school and be in Grade 12 or below (U.S.)
- Interested students submit a speech on the topic to their local optimist club.
- All contestants must submit an audiogram conducted by a qualified audiologist within 24 months of the contest date. The audiogram must verify an uncorrected hearing loss of at least 40 decibels. This documentation is required for participation.
- No minimum number of contestants for Club Contests.
Supporting Documents:
CCDHH Planning Guide: Planning_Guide
Oratorical Student Application: Oratorical_Application
Contact Information: Diane Clark (clark_al@att.net)
