Optimists held the District Oratorical Contest at their 3rd Quarter Convention at Wintergreen Resort in Wisconsin Dells on May 8th. Each of the 14 contestants prepared a speech on the theme: "Thinking, Working and Expecting the Best". They won contests at club and zone level prior to the District competition.

The Oratorical Contest is the longest running program by Optimist International - since 1928. The contestants cannot have turned 16 years of age as of January 1, 2004. This year there were over 250 contestants from 8 Zones and 20 clubs. At the District competition we had 5 boys and 9 girls ages 11 - 15. A panel of 6 Judges reviewed 2 rounds of speeches. The judges are not current Optimist members. They include English teachers, Forensic coaches and a college English Professor.

Unfortunately, there could only be one boy's winner and one girl's winner. The Boy's winner is Matthew Weeks, sponsored by all of the Racine clubs. The Girl's winner is Saamia Masoom, sponsored by the Platteville club.

Here are Dwaine Sievers, OI President; Saamia Masoom - the girl's winner; and Joanne Ganske, SWIS District Governor.

Here are Dwaine Sievers, OI President; Matthew Weeks - the boy's winner; and Joanne Ganske, SWIS District Governor.

Here are Dwaine Sievers, OI President; Matthew Weeks - the boy's winner; Saamia Masoom - the girl's winner; Joanne Ganske, SWIS District Governor and Jim Constanzo, District Oratorical Chairperson.

Thanks to Jim Costanzo and all the people at the Club, Zone and District levels who were involved with the Oratorical Contest. A special thank you to Kris Ashe and members of the Baraboo Optimist Club for their assistance with the District competition and to Emcee Steve Bailey. Thanks to parents and teachers for encouraging all the contestants. Thanks to all contestants for their hard work and wonderful speeches! We hope to see many of you again next year!