VW Optimists planning Oratorical Contest

Van Wert Optimists information

The Optimist Club of Van Wert is encouraging area students to speak their minds during its annual oratorical contest, to be held Sunday, March 2, starting at 2 p.m., at Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive in Van Wert.

The topic for the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for 2014 is “How My Passions Impact the World.”

The local Optimist Club will judge students’ four to five minute speeches based on content and presentation to determine the top boy and girl winners. Winners will receive medallions and $200 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third place. The two first place winners will advance to the zone or regional level, and possibly the district level for the opportunity to win $2,500 college scholarships.

The contest is open to students who are under age 19 as of December 31, 2013, who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent. Students from all local schools – public, private, and parochial schools, home schooled, Vantage Career Center – are welcome to enter.

Contest applications are available at Van Wert County high schools and middle schools through the guidance office, or may be picked up at Community Health Professionals. Application deadline is Wednesday, February 26.

For more information, or to download an application, visit www.optimist.org, search oratorical contest.