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When: The deadline for students to submit and present speeches is determined by the sponsoring Club. The Club contest date is to be determined. Contact Mary Lu Hartley (see below) for more info. The deadline for Districts to submit their winner's information to Optimist International is June 15, 2008.

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 $1,500 scholarships or a first place scholarship of $1,500, a second place scholarship of $1,000, and a third place scholarship of $500.

For official Optimist International contest rules, click here. (Adobe Reader required)

Local Club Flyer

Who: Youth under the age of 16 as of December 31 of the 2007-2008 school year.

The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships are awarded annually from this program.

The contest begins at the "Club" level and the 1st place Club winners advance to the "Zone" level. The winners of the "Zone" level compete at the "District" level.

Club Level: 1st-3rd place boy and 1st-3rd place girl receive medallions and runners up receive certificates of participation. 1st place winners advance to Zone contest.

Zone Level: 1st place winners advance to District contest. Sometimes plaques may be awarded to winners.

District Level: 1st place winners receive a $1,500 scholarship. Plaques are awarded to winners.

How To Enter: Please contact Dennis lane at 410-592-7067 or email djlane@juno.com