Attention all Students – Here’s your chance to win a Scholarship!
The Optimist Club of Calgary is thrilled to host once again its Oratorical Scholarship Contest for the 2025–26 school year! This exciting opportunity is open to students under 19 years of age as of October 1, 2025.
Contestants will research, write, and deliver a powerful four- to five-minute speech on the inspiring theme: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged — My Definition of Community.” We encourage students with public speaking experience — whether through school, church, Guides and Scouts, 4-H, Air Cadets, or programs like Toastmasters Youth Leadership. Now is your chance to step up, share your voice and creative writing skills, and shine!
IMPORTANT NOTICE – Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8:00 a.m. on January 8, 2026. The contest is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. Please note that any submissions received before January 8 will not be considered.
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 ==> 25-26_Oratorical_Application
When completing the application, please note the Sponsoring Club Name is the “Optimist Club of Calgary,” and the Club Number is “13025”.
Our Optimist Club of Calgary In-Person Contest will be held on January 24, 2026, at 12:30 pm at the Fish Creek Branch of Calgary Public Library, 11661 Bonaventure Dr. SE. There are medals and cash prizes of $300, $200, and $100, and the first two speakers will advance to the Scholarship contest. They will compete in a contest for all clubs in Alberta during April to choose two speakers for the Scholarship Contest on May 16 in Saskatoon. Post-secondary Scholarships valued at $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 are awarded in the district contest.
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 link: https://optimist.org/member/scholarships4.cfm
Pictures from a previous contest are below
Optimist International is recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all youth and helps them develop to their full potential.