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, perfect self-expression, gain self-assurance, improve communication skills, and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship.
The topic for the 2023-2024 school year is: “How to Change the World with Optimism”
Who can enter: Youth under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2023 (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.
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
Districts and Clubs may opt to hold an online Oratorical Contest. As it relates to deadlines for the Caribbean District, the below are the suggested dates:
Club Playoffs: TBA
Zone Finals: TBA
District Finals: TBA
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.
The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide the first-place scholarship of $2,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,500, and a third-place scholarship of $1,000.
For further information on the Oratorical Contest, please click on the link below to the Optimist International website.
