The Optimist Club of Calgary is again sponsoring an Oratorical Scholarship Contest for the 2024-25 school year. The contest is open to students under 19 years of age on October 1, 2024. Speakers will research, write, and present a four-to-five-minute speech on “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times.” We encourage students who have public speaking experience through school, church, Guides and Scouts, 4-H, Air Cadets, and other organizations and training programs, like Toastmasters Youth Leadership, to enter.
IMPORTANT – Entries will be accepted on a first-come basis starting at 8 am on February 13th, 2025, until contest positions are filled. The contest will have a maximum of 10 contestants.
To apply, download the Oratorical Contest Application below, complete it, and submit it via e-mail to Bob Steele, 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 their parent/guardian, a copy of proof of age, and a brief statement of the school, grade attended, and previous speaking experience.
ORATORICAL CONTEST APPLICATION FORM ==> 24-25_Oratorical_Application
When completing the application, please note the Sponsoring Club Name is the “Optimist Club of Calgary” and the Club Number is “13025”.
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.
There are various levels of competition as outlined below:
For more information, please click on the following links:
Optimist International is recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all youth and helps them develop to their full potential.