OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCED 2010 ORATORICAL CONTEST TOPIC

 

"Cyber Communication: Progress or Problem?" has been selected by the Board of Directors of Optimist International and Junior Optimist Octagon International as the theme for the 2010 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 as long as you are less than 16 years of age by December 2009 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 Library on Ellinwood in the first floor meeting rooms. 

Last year, a record number of youth participated in the event, and not only did 2 of our contest winners go on to state competition, but our top girl winner won at state in 2009.  It is open to any boy and girl under the age of 16 as of 12/31/09. 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, 2010. That event will be held at TBA.

The winners of that event will advance to the state final, where each boy and girl champion will receive a $2,500.00 college scholarship.

Next training session is Friday January 15, at 6:30pm at the Des Plaines Library, please bring at least 1 or 2 paragraphs of your speech if possible.  If you were unable to attend last week, please feel free to come this week, we can still get you started.

Ruth Del Re
Oratorical Chair
ruthdelre@sbcglobal.net
847-824-7050