2025-2026 Speech Topic: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged-My Definition of Community”
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations are awarded annually from this program.
2025-2026 Optimist International Oratorical Contest
The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1st of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1 – September 30) and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent, including CEGEP students in Québec, Canada.
There is no minimum age. Students must enter in the District in which they reside. U.S. students attending school on military installations outside the U.S. are eligible to enter in their last home of record.
Contest Details
How To Enter
Interested youth should prepare a 4 to 5-minute speech on the assigned topic to be presented at their local Optimist Club’s contest. The speeches are judged at the Club level, Zone level, District Regional level (if needed) and then at the District level prior to the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships. Clubs and Districts may choose to allow contestants to compete via online streaming.
Applications are due February 28, 2026
Students should mail or email their application to:
Allen Clark, 5824 Eden Prairie Road, Minnetonka, MN 55345-6715
Questions? Call (952) 300-1308 or email ajclark95026@gmail.com
Key Dates
Applications Due: February 28, 2026
Glen Lake Club Contest: March, 2026 (date TBD)
Zone Contest: April 4, 2026 - Eagan, MN
District Contest: May 1, 2026 - Watertown, SD
Prizes
The Glen Lake Club Prize
First Place: $250 + Medallion
Second Place: $150
Third Place: $100
Zone contest winners advance to the District contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship!
