Optimists seek oratorical contest entries

VW independent/submitted information

The Optimist Club of Van Wert invites area students to enter its annual oratorical contest for the opportunity to win prize money and the possibility of earning thousands of dollars in scholarships.

The Optimist Club Oratorical Contest is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive in Van Wert. 

Students are asked to craft a four-to-five-minute speech addressing the topic: “Just iMagine a world without boundaries”. Parents and immediate family are welcome to attend the contest and Optimist Club members will judge each speech. 

Winners will receive medallions and cash awards of $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. The top two local contestants will advance to zone, regional, district, and possibly international level competitions for the opportunity to win up to $22,500 in scholarships.

The contest is open to all Van Wert county students under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2019,  and who are not enrolled as a degree seeking student of a post-secondary institution. There is no minimum age to enter, but the contest is generally appropriate for middle school and high school students.

Oratorical contest applications are available now at area middle and high schools, or may be obtained by contacting Greg Yinger at vwyinger@gmail.com. Deadline for entries is February 28.

Carrying the motto “Friend of Youth,” the Optimist Club of Van Wert conducts positive service projects in support of young people.  

To learn more about the club’s volunteer service opportunities, visit www.optimistvw.com or @OptimistVW on Facebook.