Topic for the 2017-2018 School Year is: 
       
              “Where are My Roots of Optimism".

Date:         May 4 - 5, 2018
                  (SWIS Conference, award received)

Awards:    1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners receive a $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000 college scholarships 

Eligibility UPDATE:  Contestants under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2017.  Interested students submit a speech on the topic to their local optimist club. Combined boy and girl contests at all levels (Club-Zone-District). No minimum number of contestants for Club Contests. 

Optimist International Contests:  Winners at the District Level can participate in the Regional Contest for Scholarships.  Winners at the Regional Contest can receive larger scholarships.  (Previous District Winners are NOT eligible to compete again). More information available on International Contests: click here.  

Sponsorship:   Club/Zone winners are sponsored by the club at the District Conference. The Oratorical Contest scholarships are sponsored by the Optimist International Foundation to give young people the opportunity to speak about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. 

Requirements:  Speech is limited to 4-5 minutes.

Components:

• Poise (appearance, personality)     20 points
• Content of speech                          35 points
• Delivery and presentation              35 points
• Overall effectiveness                     10 points

• Scheduled and organized by Lt. Governor of zone
• Minimum of 3 contestants per Zone Contest
• Must be completed by April 5, 2018
• Zone winner information must be submitted by April 6, 2018 to SWIS District Chair.

Jo'El Pearlman, Conference Chair, is COORDINATING ALL HOTEL and LUNCH RESERVATIONS for the YOUTH WINNERS and FAMILIES.  PLEASE CONTACT Jo'El  at 262 620 1588 or via email eventplanner2000@hotmail.com.