Senior Izziey Crane recently won Optimist International’s Oratorical Contest for the central Arkansas zone. Her speech on this year’s topic, “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times,” earned her an initial $500 college scholarship, first place medallion, and the chance to compete for additional scholarships against other Oratorical Contest winners from Arkansas and western Tennessee at the district-level competition in Searcy, Arkansas, on April 26.
Izziey also submitted an entry in Optimist International’s Essay Contest. The district winner for it will be announced at the competition in Searcy, as well.
Since its start in 1928, the Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in it each year. It is designed for young people to gain experience in public speaking, perfect self-expression, gain self-assurance, and improve communication skills. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program.
