Optimists name oratorical contest winners

VW independent/submitted information

The Optimist Club of Van Wert held its annual oratorical contest on March 8 at the offices of Community Health Professionals. The topic local students were challenged to address was “Just iMagine a World without Boundaries.”

Myles Moody, a seventh grade student at Lincolnview Middle School, earned first place in the contest, while Clayton Harris, a senior at Lincolnview, garnered second place, and Derek Yinger, a seventh grader at Crestview, was third. 

All three top finishers were awarded medallions and prize money of $300 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third. Ella Davis and Lindsey Hatcher also competed in the competition.

Moody and Harris will advance to the regional contest scheduled for April 4 in Lima, and possibly on to the district (state) level for the opportunity to win college scholarships. Students were judged on poise, content of speech, presentation, and overall effectiveness according to Optimist International criteria.

“The Optimist Oratorical Contest is a great opportunity for local students to express their thoughts and opinions to an audience and win prize money,” said Greg Yinger of the Optimist Club. “Our club strives to bring out the best in each student and we hope this project will be a step to help them achieve their goals for the future.”

The Optimist Club of Van Wert is active in the community, with programs and service projects that include oratorical and essay contests, after-prom events, scholarships, bicycle safety rodeo, and Avenue of Flags. New members are always welcome! To learn more about the Optimist Club of Van Wert, visit Facebook.com/OptimistVW.