Optimists held the District Oratorical Contest at their 3rd Quarter Convention at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells on May 2nd. Each of the 18 contestants prepared a speech on the theme: "For Me, Optimism is...". 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, 2009. This year there were over ___ contestants from 5 Zones and -- clubs. At the District competition we had 9 boys and 9 girls. 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 Benjamin Mau, sponsored by the Downtown Madison club. The Girl's winner is Dawn Manning, sponsored by the Cross Plains club.

Here are Benjamin Mau - the boy's winner; Barb Nelson, SWIS District Governor; and Dawn Manning - the girl's winner..

Thanks to Jim Costanzo and all the people at the Club, Zone and District levels who were involved with the Oratorical Contest. 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!