Local oratorical contest winners listed

The Optimist Club of Van Wert recently held its oratorical contest based on the topic “How my Optimism Helps Me Overcome Obstacles.”

Wade Healey won first place in the competition for boys and Ann Brake won first place in the competition for girls. They each received gold medallions and checks for $150.  In addition, the first-place finishers will participate in the next level of competition against winners from other Optimist Clubs. Winners competing at the district level contest have the chance to win scholarships.

The second place winners, who received silver medallions and checks for $100, were Johnathan Brake and Sarah Klinger. Megan Barnhart, the third place winner, received a bronze medallion and a check for $50.

“All the students did a wonderful job, and there is no doubt that all of these students have a bright future ahead of them,” said Gloria Waterman, Oratorical Contest Committee chair.