The 2019 PNW Optimist Oratorical Contest results and more

On April 12-14, 2019, the PNW District - Optimist International met for its Spring Board Meeting in Bellingham, Washington. Previously called the Third Quarter Meeting, this gathering featured the Optimist International Oratorical Contest and announced the winner of the Optimist International  Essay Contest. The Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) was held in British Columbia on April 15, 2019.

Rosemary Vayalikunnel

The scholarship contests typically draw a big crowd especially when one considers the students and their parents who participate in the event. Despite a lower turnout than usual, the students were warmly welcomed and did not fail to impress the gathering Optimist Club members with their talents.

All students spoke on the topic: “Is There a Fine Line Between Optimism and Reality?”

Earning the first place award and a $2,500 scholarship in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for the PNW District was Rosemary Vayalikunnel. Rosemary represented the Vancouver North Shore Optimist Club. She will go on to the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships in St. Louis, MO July 18-20, 2019.

Earning the second place award and a $1,500 scholarship was Madison Stephens. Madison represented the West Tacoma Optimist Club.

The third place award went to Andrew Welch representing the West Tacoma Optimist Club. He earned a $1,000 scholarship.

Madison Stephens and Andrew Welch

The Optimist International Essay Contest was completed on February 28, 2019. The winner of the $2,500 scholarship award was announced as Alex Snow. Alex represented the Hillsboro Optimist Club

For the first time, the Board of Directors meeting included online participants as presidents from six Optimist Clubs joined from their home locations. This is an option that the District will continue to explore in order to make the meetings more accessible to Optimist Club leaders.

One discussion point during the Board of Directors meeting was alternative meeting ideas. Watch for a survey to be emailed to all PNW District Optimist Club members to help assess solutions to help increase attendance at all Optimist Club gatherings.


In other business, the Zone alignment for 2019-2020 was announced and the Lt. Governors were confirmed as follows:

Rounding out the leadership team:
Governor - Ben DeRemer
Assistant Governor Governance - Gary Smith
Assistant Governor Finance - Rene Schiller
Assistant Governor Growth - Joey Fisher
Assistant Governor Youth Programs - Aaron Codiga
Assistant Governor Marketing - Andre Giacolone
Assistant Governor Meetings - TBD
Treasurer - Damon Gerton
Secretary - Linda Vaught Disney

Thank you and best wishes to all who have committed to serving the PNW District Optimist Clubs in the 2019-2020 administrative year.