This year, the Optimist Club of Vancouver, WA held its first Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Thanks to the coordination efforts of English teacher Tyler DeShaw at the Washington School for the Deaf, three students competed to represent their state at the district finals in Kennewick, WA on May 15-16, 2015.The three contestants spoke on the theme "How My Optimism Will Help Me Press on to Greater Achievements of the Future" in front of a school assembly of 128 students. All confessed to being nervous about speaking to the crowded auditorium and according to club representatives, all were very good. Staying with the requirement against self identification for contestants, the winners will be announced during the third quarter meeting.
Mr. DeShaw shared his optimism with the assembly through a PowerPoint presentation that provided interesting articles during the interludes between contestants. Adding a very special touch, he opened with a signed version of the Optimist Creed with each line presented by a different person.
It's not too late for your Optimist Club to host a CCDHH contest. Please contact committee chairs Myrna Harris or Ken Ryan to learn more.
Register now to attend so that you can hear from these inspirational students.
