Applications due January 10, 2025
The Centerville Noon and South Metro Optimist Clubs support Optimist International by conducting the annual Margaret Barclay Memorial Oratorical Contest. This contest provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop important public speaking skills. Any student is eligible to participate who is under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2024 and lives in Centerville/Washington Township and/or attends Centerville City Schools, Incarnation Catholic School, Alter High School, Miami Valley School, Spring Valley Academy, or Dayton Christian School.
The topic for 2025, determined by Optimist International, is “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times.”
The contest will be held 2/11/2025 and 2/18/2025 at 12:00 pm (arrive 11:45 am) at Yankee Trace Golf Club; and on 2/3/2025 and 2/17/2025 at 6:00 pm (arrive 5:45 pm) at the MCL Cafeteria on Far Hills Ave. Contestants prepare and deliver a speech between four and five minutes in length on the assigned topic during a regular Optimist Club luncheon/dinner meeting. The winner on each contest date will receive a cash prize of $100.
The four winners from the Club contests advance to the Zone competition, and then may advance to the District Regional competition and the Finals at the District level. At the Great Ohio District level, 1st place will receive a $3,500 scholarship, 2nd place will receive a $2,000 scholarship, and 3rd place will receive a $1,500 scholarship. The Winner, sponsored by the Great Ohio District, will advance to the World Championships in St. Louis in July, 2025, for an opportunity to earn scholarships of $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000.
Applications are due not later than January 10, 2025 but contest slots are limited and will be assigned in the order applications are received.
For inspiration, visit the Optimist International Oratorical World Championship.