Kids say the darndest things

Kids say the darndest things. Or maybe they say the most brilliant statements that can be made. I found this post on the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna's Facebook page today and just had to share. According to the post, a contestant in the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) said, "Confidence with optimism is better than just confidence."

It's rather difficult to argue with that kind of logic!

If you would like to experience optimism through the eyes of children and young adults, I invite you to join an Optimist Club. Each year, Optimist Clubs host Essay, Oratorical and CCDHH contests for students to compete and earn scholarship money. It's a bonus for members to hear their voices, ideas and dreams.

At the club level, winning amounts are determined by the individual club. From each club, a contestant moves forward to zone and district competition. At that level, each first place winner earns a $2,500 scholarship.

Coming in 2016, Optimist International has partnered with St. Louis University to host an expanded Optimist International Oratorical Contest. Each first place district winner will move forward to a regional competition where they may win $10,000. The first place winners of the eight regions will then move forward to compete for an additional $15,000.

Details of the new competition levels are still being completed and we are excited for the expansion; however, every level of competition in an Optimist International scholarship contest gives the participant poise, confidence and hope. We encourage every teacher to involve their classes in this opportunity, but students, don't wait. You can enter with or without formal classroom involvement. Find out more about the Optimist International Scholarship Contests.  New topics for the coming school year are generally announced in late July.

Another in the irregular series, "What Do Optimists Do?" Optimists give kids a voice--and it is worth listening to! At...
Posted by Optimist Club of Greater Vienna on Wednesday, June 17, 2015

If you would like to experience optimism through the eyes of children and young adults, I invite you to join an Optimist Club. Each year, Optimist Clubs host Essay, Oratorical and CCDHH contests for students to compete and earn scholarship money.

At the club level, winning amounts are determined by the individual club. From each club, a contestant moves forward to zone and district competition. At that level, each first place winner earns a $2,500 scholarship.

Coming in 2016, Optimist International has partnered with St. Louis University to host an expanded Optimist International Oratorical Contest. Each first place district winner will move forward to a regional competition where they may win $10,000. The first place winners of the eight regions will then move forward to compete for an additional $15,000.

Details of the new competition levels are still being completed and we are excited for the expansion; however, every level of competition in an Optimist International scholarship contest gives the participant poise, confidence and hope. We encourage every teacher to involve their classes in this opportunity, but students, don't wait. You can enter with or without formal classroom involvement. Find out more about the Optimist International Scholarship Contests.  New topics for the coming school year are generally announced in late July.

Earn a communications scholarship through Optimist International

Optimist International began a new administrative year today, October 1, 2014. Congratulations and thank you to all of the Optimist Club officers who have been chosen to lead in their communities around the world.

One of the first and most pressing items of business for all should be the promotion of the Optimist International Scholarship Programs. These great opportunities begin at the Optimist Club level and allow students and members to interact as the children improve their communication skills.

First up is the Optimist International Essay Contest. It takes place in the fall and early winter with the topic "Optimism Should be a Priority." Click here to see the complete Essay Contest rules and then contact your local Optimist Club to learn when your essay must be submitted.

In the spring comes the oratorical contests, the traditional Optimist International Oratorical Contest and the Communications Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) students. The topic for both is "How My Optimism Will Help Me Press on to the Greater Achievements of the Future."

Click here for the Optimist Oratorical Contest rules.
Click here for the CCDHH rules. 

Remember, you must check in with your local Optimist Club for their submission and contest dates.

All contests award a $2,500 scholarship at the district level. Funded by the Optimist International Foundation, more than $150,000 is given away each year in the form of college tuition for students who have competed in an Optimist International Scholarship Contest.

If you are an Optimist Club, you may download the template for the promotional flyer here.

How our passions impact the world

Students compete in oratorical contest in the
PNW District - Optimist International

On Saturday, May 17, 2014, I attended the PNW District - Optimist International Finals for the Optimist International Oratorical Contest and Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

Sixteen young adults told us how their passions impact the world. Early in the competition one young man explained, "Passion determines skills. Spend time with what you like and you will develop skills that lead to accomplishments."

That is so true. The quote reminded me of Malcolm Gladwell's definition of expertise being 10,000 hours of practice and I thought how perceptive that he sees that without Gladwell's encouragement.

Another played on the same line of thought saying, "Passions impact our lives through the accomplishments we achieve." I found it interesting that for our young speakers, passion equaled achievement.

Other speakers drove more into their personal passions. For the hearing students, that included such things as robots and innovation, art, reading and journalism. For the hearing impaired, their passions were similar and included such things as education and technology, but they were also much more interested in causes ranging from animal rights to obesity, anti-bullying and activism.

Closing out the competition was a young man, hearing impaired, but delivering his speech aloud. Wise beyond his years, he spoke like a true optimist when he said that he'd seen hardship in his life and realized it was his responsibility to rise above it. He explained that it is every individual's responsibility to change the world around them. If everyone would do this, then together the impact could change the whole world.

"Stand up when you know something is wrong," he said. Quoting Gandhi, he concluded, "You have to be the change you want to see in the world."

Indeed.

Well done, students. Thank you for your thoughts and the promise you give our future.

Deaf students find joy in public speaking

Being affiliated with Optimist International gives Optimist Clubs the ability to participate in the Optimist International Scholarship programs where there are contests for public speaking and essay writing. There is also a competition unique to Optimist Clubs and that is the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH). Allowing students who speak in a different manner than most to have the opportunity to share their thoughts, the CCDHH provides a level playing field for participants and awards the winner of each district a $2,500 scholarship.

Students from the Missouri School for the
Deaf and Blind speak in the Communications Contest
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. (L-R) Melissa Davis,
Delanzia Hayes, Jayman Washington, and Pat Brauner.

This year the topic is "How My Passions Impact the World."

Sadly, fewer Optimist Clubs participate in this program than in the traditional communications programs. Some cite that costs related to translation is a barrier for them while others say that the deaf and hard of hearing population is small and that they would rather focus their attention on causes that reach more children.

One thing is for sure, any club that takes on the challenge is rewarded with inspiration from youngsters who are differently challenged every day and yet these remarkable students overcome their impairment and live with joy and achievement.

That's what optimism is all about: helping others find their joy. The bonus is you may also find your own along the way.

Photo credit: Dean Asher, Fulton Sun.
Read about the Fulton Breakfast Optimist Club CCDHH program here.

Please contribute to the Optimist International Foundation during Idaho Gives

The PNW District - Optimist International is participating in Idaho Gives today, May 2, 2013. Idaho Gives is an online fundraising campaign and many nonprofit associations across Idaho are participating. They have posted their causes on the online tool Razoo and sent notices to supporters and others that they should contribute now...today...don't wait.

The Idaho NonProfit Center has also secured sponsors for this one-day event. In addition to receiving contributions for their missions, the registered nonprofits are also competing for prizes to be awarded to the nonprofits that raise the most money. At 9:00 a.m., sponsor St. Luke's said that more than $100,000 had already been raised. As of 10:30 a.m., the amount had risen to $174,000. That's pretty awesome.

Find out more and make a donation. The PNW District - Optimist International cause is the Communications Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. The district has a long-term goal of raising $10,000 to endow this scholarship for students with special needs.

Donate to CCDHH Optimist International Scholarship at Razoo

Deaf students discover they have a voice

In Fulton, Missouri, 17 middle school students recently participated in a speech contest to explain "Why My Voice is Important." It was unique because these students represented the Missouri School for the Deaf. Their voice was their hands.

Jennifer Dignan, Chair of the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) and a teacher at the Missouri School for the Deaf explained that at first, she was taken aback by the topic, but upon reflection, she realized it was perfect. "We do have a voice, but its a different kind, so I had to make sure my students understood," she said.

Responding to concern raised by some clubs, Optimist International modified the topic for CCDHH students to be "Why My Opinions are Important;" however, the original topic remains acceptable.

Dignan explained further, "When I first told them they said, 'my voice? That doesn't apply to us,' but I explained it's how you express your thoughts, your feelings, and make yourself heard, and they really got that."

As hearing persons, we sometimes forget how slight wording can make all the difference in how something is perceived by the deaf community. I applaud Ms. Dignan for using this opportunity to help her students learn that a voice can be heard in many ways.


Photo courtesy of the Fulton Optimist Club. From left, Elizabeth Harrison, first place; Tyra Rogers, second place; Cheyenne Dickerson, third place; and Pat Brauner with the Optimist Club.

A scholarship opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing students

Through its Optimist Club and District network, each year, Optimist International sponsors the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. In each district, a winning contestant can qualify for a $2,500 college scholarship. The topic for 2013 is "Why my opinion is important."

Like all Optimist International scholarship programs, the contest begins at the club level. However, the local program is managed on a regional level my the district. The following video provides information for deaf and hard of hearing students in California.

To find out about participating in your community, please find the club closest to you by clicking on this link. 

Download the application and rules here. 

Student speaks with optimism

Caleb Blair

I love this picture. It was posted by Barbara Jacoby for the Canton-Sixes Patch in Georgia. She was promoting, rightfully so, the winner of the Georgia District-Optimist International Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing where Teasley Middle School student Caleb Blair won a $2,500 college scholarship for his presentation on "How my optimism helps me overcome obstacles."

I love the picture for what it symbolizes: a young man, standing behind a banner of the Optimist Creed, talking in his language (ASL) about optimism. That's a powerful image.

Congratulations to Caleb and thank you to all contestants who participated in the Optimist International Communications Contests for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing this year.

They learn to love, laugh and live with optimism

Travelling to other Optimist Districts is always a pleasure for visitors get to experience the hospitality and traditions of a slightly different culture. Yes, we are all united under the Optimist International umbrella, but the programs we choose to conduct and the way they are organized often differ slightly, if not greatly froem club to club and district to district. I've heard it likened to speaking with a different dialect.

One of the highlights of my trip to the Arizona District was to witness first hand the truly engaging Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Some districts have abandoned this program. Others struggle to get three contestants so that a scholarship may be granted from the Optimist International Foundation and there are a few that have developed relationships within the deaf community and have multiple entries. The Arizona District is one of the latter.

Students participating in the Arizona District - Optimist International
Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

To accommodate the number of participants, they hold regional contests in order to advance 9 speakers to the District finals. These 9 students were remarkable in every way. Stories of feeling different and excluded led to stories of perseverance and ultimately optimism. Each speaker gave their presentation with just a little bit of levity and loads of optimism confirming that they are endowed with unique talents and a strong voice - a voice that is only assisted by their hands.

The Arizona District is so committed to the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH), they have created a scholarship fund at the district level to match awards granted by the Foundation. This ensures that participants for every communications contest has the opportunity to achieve the same honors.

Being from a district that is working hard to advance this program, I was truly excited by their commitment to the program and how they embrace and encourage the students to excel. I've often been one to take baby steps to get a program going, but I think in this case a more successful route might be to go as big as possible. The deaf population is small enough that individuals may be cloaked inside a mainstream program and those baby steps may not reach as many as quickly as needed.

If I were leader of the free world

Optimist International has extended the oratorical contest to include students with hearing deficits. Called the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, students up to age 19 compete against one another to earn $2,500 scholarships in 49 districts around the world.

Like their hearing counterparts, the students prepare and present a speech on the same topic. This year it is, "If I were leader of the free world, the first issue I would address would be..."

Yesterday in Eagle, Idaho, the Eagle Optimist Club hosted the first communication contest for deaf and hard of hearing students in the state in many years. Six students participated and three will advance to the district competition. It was a good start on an excellent program according to Chairperson Myrna Harris. "It was good this year, and next year will be even bigger and better," she said.

Getting the program started in Idaho was a two-year project. Making the connections and plugging into the deaf community took some time, and honestly, happened accidentally as part of another program that Harris was involved with through the Ada County Sheriff's Department where she serves as an outreach and volunteer coordinator. Of course, it wouldn't have happened if the club had not been alert and reaching out to others.

In Burnaby, British Columbia, the Optimist Club has connected to the deaf community through Deaf BC. For nearly ten years, they have held the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the Michael J. Fox Auditorium. This year 27 students participated. Their top three contestants will meet Eagle's top three at the end of April in the District finals.

It is rewarding to start a new project and extend the reach of Optimist Clubs. It is especially fulfilling to touch the lives of students who face challenges with grace and poise.  I believe that Optimist Club members learn from our students every year in the oratorical contests. Their views are fresh and full of hope and amazement. Through them, we experience optimism in action.

Students earn scholarships by speaking to Optimist Clubs

It is one of my favorite times of the year, optimistically speaking. Optimist Clubs around the world are engaged in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest and the Optimist International Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

This is the time of year that Optimist Club members sit back and hear what is on the minds of students. Using a central theme, students talk about what has influenced them and what they want to do or see in the future. The topic this year is "If I Were the Leader of the Free World, the First Issue I Would Address Would Be..."

I have a feeling that we will hear a lot about current events and foreign policy this year; but I've been wrong before, and that is what makes the contest so special. Adults really cannot predict what the children are going to say.

Participants in the Optimist International scholarship programs must begin their entry with a local Optimist Club.  Winners advance through zone and regional competition to reach the District level where a $2,500 scholarship is awarded for first place in combined (female/male) competitions and $1,500 if separated.

It's not too late to find an Optimist Club near you. Read the instructions for the Optimist International Oratorical Contest and Optimist International Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and get involved. Students must be under age 19 as of December, 31, 2010.

High-speed internet: is it a right or a privilege?

An Optimist International program that gets rather spotty participation is the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, but 48 scholarships are available each year through Optimist District competition.

What holds clubs and districts back from participating might be the Americans with Disabilities Act.  What are the requirements for providing reasonable accommodations for the students who want to participate?  For instance, how many interpreters are needed? 

For that reason, the clubs who participate often coordinate their efforts through schools and utilize the framework that is already in place.  Others have begun to work with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Councils in their state or province for a better outreach to students.  And still others, like the Arkansas District - Optimist International, have started Foundations so they have the money available to them to carry out this lesser served population. 

That's why the CCDHH contest at the Optimist Club of Charleston, West Virginia caught my attention.  One contestant, speaking in his first oratorical contest spoke of why high speed internet was so important to the deaf and hard of hearing community for not only will they benefit in the same way as an average consumer, the deaf and hard of hearing client will also benefit from enhanced relay systems that power their videophone capabilities.

We take so many things for granted.  As the United States pushes for more high speed internet access in rural and underserved populations, I hope they remember the silent members of our society no matter where they live. 

Mitchell Miller took first place for his speech to the Optimist Club where he advocated for high-speed internet in West Virginia.  Photo and story idea provided by the Optimist Club of Charleston.