--Oratorical Contest

Carl Ghandhi, representing our Club, took first place in the Optimist International District Oratorical Contest boy's division on Apr 30, 2005. The District (state level) contest is the highest and final level in the Oratorical Contest. The topic of the contest was: "My Hero Is...". The hero of Carl's speech was the American soldier. Carl was presented with a plaque by Governor Margaret and will receive a $1,500 scholarship to the college of his choice.

Carl is on the speech and debate team at Beavercreek High School and is taught by Jane Cook. Carl lives in Beavercreek and is the son of wonderful, supportive parents Paul and Meher Ghandhi. Congratulations Carl!

Carl Ghandhi receiving plaque from Governor Margaret
after winning the District Oratorical Contest on Apr 30, 2005

Carl and his Parents with President Dave
after Carl won the District Oratorical Contest

The Club level Oratorical Contest was held on Saturday Feb 5, 2005 at Peace Lutheran Church in Beavercreek. Marlene and Jim were co-chairs and Bob, Karen, John, Cathy and Joe helped out. Thanks to all the Optimists for helping out. The boy winner was chosen and two contests for the 20 girls were held.

The runoff of the 3 winners from each girl's contest was held on Thurs Feb 24th at 3:30 PM in Mrs. Cook's room at Beavercreek High School, with Sarah receiving the gold medallion.

The Zone level Oratorical Contest was held on Mar 12th at 12:30 at the Faith Lutheran Church. Our boy and girl Club winners competed against two other clubs...and both won! Both gave practically flawless, completely memorized speeches. This is the first time that our Club's girl and boy contestants have both won at the Zone.

The Region Oratorical contest was held on Sat. Apr 2nd at the Springfield Library. Our Club representatives Sarah and Carl both gave supurb speeches, even surpassing their previous performance at the Zone competition. There was some stiff competition from the speakers from zones 7 and 10, but Carl took first place in the boy's contest with Sarah taking second in the girl's contest. Congratulations to both Sarah and Carl!

Carl competed in the District contest on April 30th at the Ohio District Conference in Dublin, Ohio. Both the girl and boy divisions were held. The speakers represented all four regions of the Ohio District. After very good speeches by the three other boys, Carl gave his speech last. His professionalism and leadership showed through in his speech and after deliberation by the three judges, Carl was announced as the winner of the boys' division. Carl will receive a $1,500 scholarship from Optimist International to the college of his choice.