Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 2024 – 2025
Topic:
“How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times”
Please contact the GATEway District Chair now to express your interest or any questions you may have about the CCDHH.
GATEway District Chair: Mrs. Carole Howell, cahowell44@bellsouth.net, (404) 966-7627
Who is Eligible: The contest is open to contestants through grade 12 in the United States and Canada, to CEGEP in Quebec and the equivalent in the Caribbean and the rest of the world. Contestants must submit the results of an audiogram (or Cochlear Implant Programming Report) completed no longer than 24 months prior to the date of the contest by a qualified audiologist. Contestants must be certified to have an uncorrected hearing loss of 40 decibels or more, which must be supported by the audiogram (or CI Programing Report) to be eligible to compete. Contestants attending either public school or schools providing special services are eligible to enter if the criteria are met.
Presentation Style: Contestants may use sign language, an oral presentation, or a combination of to compete.
Scholarship: The Optimist International Foundations funds a $2,500 scholarship to any District that meets the minimum participation criteria.
How to Enter: Interested students or teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing should contact their local Optimist Club. To find out the contact in your area, please e-mail the GATEway District CCDHH Chair at: cahowell44@bellsouth.net
Fees: The winning entry from each club must be accompanied by any entry fee check in the amount of thirty-five dollars ($35), made payable to GATEway District, Optimist International. This fee applies to ALL winning entries advancing to another level of competition. The sponsoring club pays these fees.
Deadlines:
CLUB: Thursday, February 27, 2025
ZONE: Saturday, March 15, 2025 (If there are not enough participants for the Zone Contest, the winners will proceed to the District level.)
AREA: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Contest deadline for submitting contestants’ names, fees, and paperwork to Lt. Governors by Friday, April 4, 2025
DISTRICT CONTEST: Saturday, April 26, 2025, Carrollton, Georgia. Location TBA.
Online Information: Planning Guide, application and contest rules for the 2024-2025 CCDHH can be accessed by clicking on the links below.
Online Info: Planning Guide, application, and contest rules can be accessed: click on this link to the OI website.
Download: the Application and Contest Rules form.
DEADLINES:
CLUB: Thursday, February 27, 2025
ZONE: Saturday, March 15, 2025 (If there are not enough participates for the Zone contest, the winners will proceed to the District level)
AREA: Saturday March 29, 2025
Contest deadline for submitting contestants’ names, fees, and paperwork to Lt Governors by Friday, April 4, 2025
District Contest: Saturday, April 26, 2025 To be held in Carrollton, Ga. Place TBD
“GATEway Optimists Bringing Out the BEST and Providing a Brighter Tomorrow For the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Youth of OUR District”