- optimistclubofreddeer@gmail.com
- Red Deer
ORATORICAL CONTEST
ESSAY CONTEST
COMMUNICATION CONTEST FOR THE
DEAF & HARD OF HEARING
Beginning in 1928, the Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program of Optimist International.
The contest is designed for young people to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with an opportunity to
compete for multiple college scholarships with a pre-assigned topic.
District Scholarships:
First Place: $2,500 • Second Place: $1,500 • Third Place: $1,000
with a chance to win up to $22,500 at the
World Championships level
The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live.
The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!
One District Scholarship of $2,500
This contest offers an opportunity for students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing to present their thoughts in the community, gaining skills, which can only come from
signing or speaking to a large audience.
Patterned after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the contest offers youth the chance to compete in speech or sign language with
the chance to win a college scholarship.
One District Scholarship of $2,500
Oratorical Contest – March 7th, 2025
Email: optimistclubofreddeer@gmail.com /
karenkenny@icloud.com
