Optimist Oratorical Contest

Local Students Speak Out on “Healing the World”
GREENSBURG, IN – Five youth challenged themselves and the audience at Greensburg Community High School Auditorium Monday night in the annual Optimist Oratorical Contest. This year’s theme was “Healing the World with Optimism.” Contestants wrote and spoke from
the heart on issues plaguing not only our community, but also our world. In 4-5 minutes, each youth shared stories of tribulations and inspiration. Contestants were focused on sharing solutions
from great optimists that came before like Martin Luther King Jr and St. Thomas Aquinas. However, each shared a personal perspective, a choice in choosing optimism, positivity, and a spirit of gratitude. Each youth challenged the audience that it is up to each of us to choose
optimism in each interaction whether in person, virtual, and when using social media platforms.
Claire Nobbe, a 9th grader at Greensburg Community High School, placed first place at the oratorical contest. 7th grade student, Wade Schutte from St. Mary’s School placed second. Madison Gould, a 7th grader from St. Mary’s School, won third place.
Nobbe and Schutte will be sent to the zone level where they will compete against winners from other Optimist Clubs in the area. The winner of the zone competition will be sent to the District level with the chance to win a scholarship, and then possibly on the Optimist International
Regional/World Championship for a chance to win an additional $5,000 or up to another $15,000 scholarship.
“All students did a wonderful job presenting their inspiring speech. We are grateful to have these youth in our community.” Club President Mike Novak said. “The members of our Optimist Club have no doubt that these students have a bright future ahead of them if they continue to choose
optimism.” The Optimist Club of Greensburg has been participating in the Optimist Oratorical Contest for many years. This year the Greensburg Optimist Club is getting ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary as a club.
Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with over 80,000 adult and youth members in almost 3,000 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and
Mexico and throughout the world. The Optimist Oratorical Contest is one of the organization’s most popular programs, with more than 2,000 clubs participating annually. Carrying the motto “Bringing Out the Best in Youth, in our Communities, and in Ourselves,” Optimists conduct
positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, please call (314) 371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org.