The Optimist Club of Calgary is again sponsoring an Oratorical Scholarship Contest for the 2023-24 school year. The contest is open to students under 19 years of age on October 1, 2023. Speakers will research, write, and present a four-to-five-minute speech on “How to Change the World With Optimism.” We encourage students who have public speaking experience through school, church, Guides and Scouts, 4-H, Air Cadets, and other organizations and training programs to enter.
Entries will be accepted on a first-come basis starting on December 28th, 2023 until February 27, 2024. To apply, download the Oratorical Contest Application below, complete it, and submit it via e-mail to Bob Steele (Essay and Oratorical Contest Chair) at ironmanb@telusplanet.net with the Subject “Oratorical Contest”. The entry must include a completed application form, signed by the entrant and his/her parent, a copy of proof of age, and a brief statement of the school, grade attended, and previous speaking experience.
2024_Oratorical_Application_Form
The contest will have a maximum of 12 contestants. The actual Oratorical Competition will be held on Saturday, March 16th. See below for more information.
INFORMATION ON THE OPTIMIST ORATORICAL SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
Beginning in 1928, the Optimist International Oratorical Scholarship 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 post-secondary scholarships with a pre-assigned topic.
For more information, please click on the following links:
Pictures from our Optimist Club of Calgary 2023 Oratorical Contest at the Fish Creek Library on March 18th. Pictured above from left to right: Oratorical and Essay Contest Chair Bob Steele; Judges Joanne Smith, Tuka Ali, Cheryl Isnor, and Joelle Church; and Club President Bill Campbell
Pictures from the 2023 Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, and NW Wyoming (AMS&NW) District 13 Optimist Oratorical Contest in Medicine Hat on May 6th. The contestants were from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana.
Caroline G. from Western Canada High School in Calgary was the 1st Place Winner. She won a $2,500 scholarship at the District competition and the opportunity to compete at the Optimist International Regional and World Championships on July 20th and 21st, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri. Caroline is pictured above with her father Jason on the left, and Optimist Club President Bill Campbell on the right.
Well done Caroline! We are proud of you.
Optimist International is recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all youth and helps them develop to their full potential.