I love pictures of Optimist International Oratorical Contests

Some Google alerts are better than others. I get a kick every time I open one with a link that takes me to the smiling faces of Optimist International Oratorical Contest participants. The students in this photo competed in the Breakfast Optimist Club of Spartanburg, South Carolina Oratorical Contest and earned medallions and cash prizes for their skills.

The winners shown here are: First place, Savannah Young of Boiling Springs High School (medallion and $100); second place, Drew Hendrix of Gable Middle School (medallion and $50); and third place, Terin Tyson of McCracken Middle School (medallion and $25).

As with every Optimist Club Oratorical Contest, winners advance to the next level of competition earning them the opportunity to compete for a $2,500 scholarship. Funded by the Optimist International Foundation, more than $150,000 is given away each year for students to use in their college education.

All students, regardless of location, compete by making a 5-minute speech on the same topic. This year, students are exploring, "Why My Voice is Important." The contests must begin at the club level. Competition will be completed in all areas by June 15, 2013.

Thanks to the Spartanburg Breakfast Optimist Club for the photo. 

See more Optimist International Scholarship contestants on Pinterest. 

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