2025 Topic
“How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times”
Join us for the 2025 Garner Optimist Club Oratorical Contest
Local students will compete in this time honored tradition.
Top District Finisher receives $2,500 Scholarship. 2nd Place $1500. 3rd Place $1,000
History
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives the next generation the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundation is awarded annually from this program.
First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.