The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives students the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations 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 Clarkston Club first, second and third winners will receive cash prizes of $250, $150 and $100, respectively. The first place winner from Clarkston will go on to compete at the District Level, where scholarships of $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000 will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners.
2025-2026 Topic: The Moment I Realized I Belonged - My Definition of Community
Who can enter: All Clarkston area students (public, private or home-schooled), under the age of 19, as of October 1st, 2025 and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent. There is no minimum age.
How To Enter: See application link below.
Entry Deadline: March 27th, 2026
Submit both the written speech and a completed application, by March 27th, 2026, via email to: [email protected] or by sending them via USPS to: Clarkston Area Optimist Club, P.O. Box 891, Clarkston, MI 48347.
Contest Details: Each contestant will be required to give their speech live, following the rules of the Oratorical Contest listed in the application. Location and date of the local Clarkston Oratorical Contest is: TBD
For more information, contact our Club at: [email protected] or by contacting the Club Oratorical chairperson Jean Dasuqi, at 248-622-6096.