Applications due January 9, 2026
The Centerville Noon Optimist Club supports 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, 2025 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 2026, determined by Optimist International, is “The Moment I Realized I Belonged—My Definition of Community.”
The contest will be held 2/9/2026 and 2/12/2026 at 6:00 pm (arrive 5:45 pm) at Woodbourne Library, 600 Far Hills Avenue, Centerville, OH 45459. Contestants prepare and deliver a speech between four and five minutes in length on the assigned topic. The winner on each contest date will receive a cash prize of $500.
The 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, 2026, for an opportunity to earn scholarships of $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000.
Applications are due not later than January 9, 2026 but contest slots are limited and will be assigned in the order applications are received.
For inspiration, visit the Optimist International Oratorical World Championship.