Application for 2025-2026 Optimist International Oratorical Contest 

2025 – 2026 Oratorical Contest Topic:

“The Moment I Realized I Belonged—

My Definition of Community”

The winners from the Club contests advance to the Zone competition and then may advance to the District Regional competition and perhaps to the Finals at the District level. At the District level, 1st place will receive a $3,500 scholarship, 2nd place will receive a $2,000 scholarship, and 3rd place will receive a $1,500 scholarship. The District winner will advance to the World Championships at St. Louis University in July, 2026 for an opportunity to earn scholarships of $15,000, $10,000, or $5,000.

The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19, as of October 1, 2025, who have not yet completed secondary school, or its equivalent.

Email Your Application to [email protected], or via USPS to:

Hilliard Optimist Club Oratorical Contest, P.O. Box 113, Hilliard, OH 43026

Applications must be received by February 13, 2026. The Club Contest will be held in February 2026 (exact date TBD)

Club Contact: Phillip Haer – (614) 429-1053 – [email protected]