Optimist Oratorical Contest winners listed

VW Optimist Club information

The Optimist Club of Van Wert held its annual oratorical contest on March 16 with the topic “How My Passions Impact the World.”

Marshall Healey won first place in the competition for boys and Megan Barnhart won first place in the girl’s contest. Each will receive a gold medallion, $200 and will advance to the regional competition on April 5 in Lima.

Second place winners Wade Healey and Courtney Byrd receive silver medallions and $100; third place contestant, Joseph Linser receives a bronze medallion and $50.

The Oratorical Contest is longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International and one of several projects for youth provided locally by the Optimist Club of Van Wert. The club meets every Thursday at noon at Willow Bend County Club and is always looking for new members. Call 419.905.6740 or find the club’s page on Facebook to learn more.