Meridian Optimist Events

November

• Nov

  30

  Optimist International Oratorical Contest

  Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Monday, March 16, 2026

  Topic: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged — My Definition of Community”

  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.

  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 is awarded annually from this program.
  
  First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.

  When: Club Contest will be on Monday, March 16, 2026. 

  Deadline for entries: All entries must be received by March 3, 2026

  Where: Meridian Library @ 1326 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian Idaho

  To obtain rules and application, click this link Contest Application For more information please contact Mike Harris at 208-484-8529 or meridianoptimist32086@gmail.com