OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCED 2008-2009 ORATORICAL CONTEST TOPIC

 

“For Me, Optimism Is” has been selected by the Board of Directors of Optimist International and Junior Optimist Octagon International as the theme for the 2008-2009 oratorical contest.

The oratorical is a perennial favorite among Optimist clubs. Participants gain tremendous confidence in their presentation abilities as they learn the art of public speaking. Age is of no matter in this event. In the past, we have seen talented 10-years olds defeat high school students.

The Des Plaines club is pleased to participate once again, and we will begin our free training sessions at the Des Plaines Public Library in January. The library is at 1501 Ellinwood.

Last year, a record number of youth participated in the event. It is open to any boy and girl under the age of 16 as of 12/31/08. The top three boy and girl winners will receive medallions and prizes of $100.00, $75.00, and $50.00.The winning boy and girl will advance to the regional competition, which will be held in April, 2009. That event will also be held at the Des Plaines Public Library.

The winners of that event will advance to the state final, where each boy and girl champion will receive a $1,500.00 college scholarship.

Keep watching this space for the specific date and time of our training.

Chris Ladner
Oratorical Chair
ladnercj@yahoo.com
847-827-1444