This contest is open to young people under the age of 19 as of October 1st of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1 – September 30) and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent.  There is no minimum age.

In addition to developing skills for public speaking, the top finishers in the Club Contests have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!

Since 2019, two contestants sponsored by our Club finished second and third in the District Oratorical Contest and won college scholarships of $1,500 and $1,000, respectively. 

How To Enter:

Interested students must contact their local Optimist Club. They need to deliver a speech for the Oratorical Contest on the assigned date. To find out a point of contact, please contact our St. Charles Optimist Club or e-mail the Programs Department at programs@optimist.org.

To read the official rules, please click below.

Official_2025-26_Oratorical_Contest_rules

More information to follow.

Back