Oratorical Contest 2023

2022 – 2023 Optimist Year 

THE OLDEST AND BEST CONTEST OF OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL AND THE GATEWAY DISTRICT 

Topic:  “Discovering the Optimism within Me”

District Contest Chair: Richard Bracknell  

                                                     Email: Richard.Bracknell@carrolltoncityschools.net
                                                     Phone: 770 314 2425

Congratulations to our 2022 International World Champion!

  • The Seventh Annual Optimist International World Championships took place at St. Louis University on July 21-22, 2022. Samiksha Gaherwar participated in the contest as the Oratorical winner from the GATEway District. Samiksha graduated from Lambert High School and was the Valedictorian. She plans to attend Princeton University. She has been participating the the oratorical contest for 8 years.

After a virtual journey into new territory, the Oratorical Contest last year in the GATEway District was still a near record winner with more clubs and contestants. It was an event that continued, despite hardships, to show hope in our youth and dedication in our clubs. We look forward to yet a better contest this year.  Our goal is to have 40 Clubs participate this year. Start now preparing for your club to send two contestants (gender neutral) up the “Oratorical Ladder” with the opportunity to win $22,500 in scholarships.  Look to the District announcements for information and come to the District meetings to gather insight, suggestions, and hear of the joy of doing this for our kids!  

The deadlines for the contest are: 

Local Club contest winners received by the Lt. Governors:  March 3, 2023

Zone contest:  March 24, 2023

Area contest: April 8, 2023

District Contest:  April 22, 2023

Area Alignment (LTGs to coordinate Area Contest)
Area One is Zone 1, 2, 3
Area Two is Zone 4, 5, 6
Area Three is Zone 7, 8, 10
Area Four is Zone 9, 11, 12, 14

Again, we look forward, WITH YOUR HELP, having another record breaking year in both participants and clubs.  

The contest is open to students under the age of 19 by October 1, 2022. Students must enter in the District in which they reside.

Fees:  Each winning contestant from a club must be accompanied by an 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. These fees are normally paid by the sponsoring club. 

Your next step?   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, click here.

GATEway Optimists