Optimist Oratorical Contest date set

Van Wert Optimist Club announces its 2011 Oratorical Contest for students. The contest is for students under the age of 19, as of December 31, 2010, who are encouraged to speak their minds on the topic “If I Were Leader of the Free World, the First Issue I Would Address Would be…” as part of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for 2011.

The Optimist Club will judge the local students’ speeches based on content and presentation to determine the top boy and girl winners. Winners will receive medallions and cash prizes for first- ($150), second- ($100), and third ($50) place finishes for each group. The two first place winners will be sent to the zone or regional level, and possibly the district level for the opportunity to win college scholarships.

“As they prepare for their future, many of our local students need experience expressing their thoughts and opinions to an audience,” Optimist Oratorical Committee Chair Gloria Waterman said. “The Oratorical Contest challenges them to do just that and also offers an opportunity for prizes and scholarships.  In this way, our club hopes to bring out the best in each of them and help them achieve their goals for the future.”

Deadline for application entry is March 1. The Oratorical Contest will be held Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m. at Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive in Van Wert.

Students wanting to participate can find out more about the contest details and obtain an entry form by calling 419.203.6062.