ORATORICAL CONTEST

 How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me

The Optimist Oratorical Contest encourages young people to think about the power of their words and actions. This year’s theme, “How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me,” challenges students to reflect on how kindness, encouragement, leadership, and helping others can make a difference.

Through this contest, students have an opportunity to build confidence, develop public speaking skills, and share their ideas with others. Optimists believe every young person has a voice worth hearing and the potential to inspire positive change in their community. All entries must  be received by February 28, 2027 to our Club Chairperson Dottie Seamans. 

For contest application, and contest information click on the link below.  https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/0b5_v02NPepyeODhGAqBsc91A

Club Level:  1st Place: $500.00 scholarship; 2nd Place: $250.00; 3rd Place: $100.00.  For more information contact Dottie Seamans at dmseamans@gmail.com 

District Level:  1st Place: 2,500.00 

Do you know a student with something important to say? Encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas in the Optimist International Essay Contest!

The 2026–2027 essay topic is “Finding My Voice in a World Full of Noise.” This is an opportunity for young people to express their opinions, share their perspectives, and let their voices be heard.

Students can compete for local club awards, with the opportunity to advance to the District level and compete for an Optimist International Foundation scholarship of up to $2,500!

Help us inspire the next generation of thinkers, writers, and leaders! Share this opportunity with students, teachers, and families.

Club Level awarded at each school

For contest information and official rules, click on the application link below. All entries must  be received by January 29, 2027 to our Club Chairpeople.   https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/083xSG37m6AVi4Zh_wYIjjwcQ  For questions, please contact Buddy King at thebking78@gmail.com  or Mary Herrick at maryherlick@live.com

Do you know a young artist who loves to draw, paint, or create? Optimist International invites children to participate in the Optimist International Visual Arts Competition!

This year's theme is “Stronger Together.” Children can use their imagination to express what friendship, family, teamwork, and helping others mean to them through their artwork.

The competition is open to children 11 years old and younger, with two age divisions: ages 7 and under, and ages 8–11.

Winning artwork may advance to the international competition, where selected artists can receive monetary awards and have their artwork featured on note cards!

Let's encourage our young artists to get creative, share their talents, and let their imaginations shine!

For official rules and entry information, click on the link below.  Entries are due in January.  For questions, please contact Dennis Hummel at dennis.joyce.hummel@gmail.com. or Sarah Drake. sarahdrakeart@gmail.com

https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/066v1kW4kW_63RAdGRgifLzvg 

 All young people can compete in the Optimist Oratorical Contest. The “Kids Speak Out” contest is a “pre-Oratorical” program that provides a more equitable competition for younger speakers.