Oratorical and Essay Contests
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program. First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide two $2,500 scholarships or a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000. On the local level, the Brandon Valley Optimist Club has given several thousands of dollars to participants in the Oratorical Contest. We have had several contestants represent us at the District level. We hope to continue this history of superior students representing our club.
