Scholarship Contests, oh my!

It's true!

Perhaps the easiest projects for an Optimist Club to hold are the communications programs for which Optimist International is known. What are they?

The Scholarship Contests

There are three contests that start at the Optimist Club level that lead students to $2,500 scholarship awards and one can lead to as much as $22,500!

All are outlined in handy club-level planning guides accessible through the links below.

The topic for the 2018-2019 Optimist International Essay Contest is "When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?"

Download the entry form.

The topic for the 2018-2019 Optimist International Oratorical World Championships is “Is There a Fine Line Between Optimism and Reality?” 

Download the entry form.

The topic for the 2018-2019 Optimist International Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH)  is “Is There a Fine Line Between Optimism and Reality?”
Download the entry form.

There is also a program for younger students preparing to enter the Oratorical World Championships called Kids Speak Out. Optimist Clubs may choose the topic for this contest.

New Rules

There are new rules in place regarding the Optimist International Oratorical Contest. The biggest change is that students who have won second or third place scholarships at the District level are now eligible to return to competition. Only students who have placed first at a District level competition are ineligible to participate.
Read all the rules changes here.

In the Pacific Northwest District the following guidelines must be observed:

• Optimist Clubs must submit their winning essay to the District Chairperson by February 28, 2018
• There will be no zone contests for the Oratorical or CCDHH. Regional contests will be held for the Oratorical Contest and the CCDHH at the same time.  The dates of the regional contests are Oregon - March 9, 2019; Idaho - March 16, 2019; Washington and Alaska - March 23, 2019; British Columbia - March 30, 2019. 
• Two contestants from each state in the Oratorical and CCDHH contests will advance to the District competition on April 12, 2019. 

Questions regarding the competitions should be addressed to the lieutenant governor in each zone. 

What happens after an Optimist Club level scholarship contest?

It is Scholarship Contest season for Optimist Clubs. Students begin their quest for all scholarships by participating in the Optimist International Essay Contest, Optimist International Oratorical Contest or Communications Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) at their local Optimist Club. From there, local winners move on to Zone, Regional, or District level competition. In 2018, the PNW District fee for each qualifying contestant is $50 per entry at the second level of competition paid by the sponsoring Optimist Club.

The Optimist Club Essay Contest winner moves directly into the District level competition when the club chairperson mails the winning essay, all required paperwork, and $50 to the District Essay Chairperson. This is for reference only as the entries were due on February 28, 2018. The winning contestant is announced at the PNW District third quarter meeting.

The Lieutenant Governor plans the second-level of the Optimist Club Oratorical Contest in each Zone. They set the date and location, typically in April, arrange for judges, and most important, communicate with the clubs to encourage their participation in the contest. The Optimist Club may send its first and second place contestants to the Zone level competition. To participate, each winning student must have the required paperwork and the $50 registration fee.

Two contestants, the first and second place speakers, in each Zone advance to the District level competition. There they will meet other contestants that have gone through similar procedures to reach this level of participation. In 2018, the PNW District competition is being held at the third quarter meeting May 11-12 at the Hampton Inn near Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, Washington.

Typically, the District covers all costs for lodging, meals, and activities for the students at the event as follows:

• Students should arrive late-afternoon Friday. They will share a room with another contestant. 
• District Committee Chair hosts dinner for the students and usually, there is an activity like bowling, swimming, or a movie. 
• Rise and shine Saturday morning for breakfast. We hope the contest is in the morning - it typically is - so that participants can get past any nerves and enjoy getting to know one another. 
• The District Committee Chair will host lunch and take students on an area activity in the afternoon. 
• Return for the evening banquet with the Optimist Club members, other participants, and families, to learn who has won the PNW District scholarship prizes of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000. 
• Evening break with families and new friends. Students who are traveling with parents may leave at their pleasure. Others will remain for breakfast Sunday morning at the hotel. 
• The first-place winner should meet with the District Chairperson to learn of the next level of competition as an entry in the Optimist International Global World Championships. This portion may be done online or in person. The Regional winner earns an additional $5,000 scholarship and the opportunity to compete for $15,000 more. 

The CCDHH may follow a similar path as the Optimist International Oratorical Contest; however, since participation is much lower, it has, in the past, generally been run in cooperation with a school program for deaf students. We have been advised that the CCDHH will not be held at a district meeting in 2018.

This post is for informational purposes in order to satisfy a number of inquiries that we have received. Please contact the PNW District Chairpersons for further information: Essay | Oratorical | CCDHH.

Optimist International scholarship contestants wow the crowd

The PNW District - Optimist International Oratorical and CCDHH Scholarship Contests were held on May 6, 2017 at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby, British Columbia. Twelve students advanced to this competition by winning preliminary contests at the local Optimist Club and regional Zone level.

All students spoke for four to five minutes on the topic "What the world gains from optimism." We heard that dogs make people happy, chocolate lava cake is the best dessert ever, and womens rights are human rights, among other things. All students were inspired by the topic, and in turn, inspired the viewers who had assembled to watch their performances.

Two particularly interesting phrases caught this writer's attention:

"A positive world change starts in a person's backyard."

"A world where there is hope in the present is a place where there is hope in the future."

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2016-2017 CCDHH scholarship winners for the PNW District, each receiving a $2,500 scholarship:

Communications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) - signing - Jacob Gerlitz

Communications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) - speaking - Chastity Davies

In the Oratorical Contest, three winners were chosen, receiving $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000 scholarships respectively:

First Place: May Fan, Coquitlam Optimist Club
Second Place: Cleo Chang, Vancouver, BC Optimist Club
Third Place: Andrew Welch, Tacoma Optimist Club

Congratulations to all! And thank you to all participants. Well done, everyone.

The Optimist Creed in ASL

During the PNW District - Optimist International Third Quarter Meeting and Scholarship Contests, Lisa Menian, Principal, British Columbia School for the Deaf and Chair, PNW District CCDHH Program shared the following video of students at the school signing the Optimist Creed.

The message is powerful in every language! Enjoy.

Communications Contests are highlight for the PNW District - Optimist International

Optimist Club members in the Pacific Northwest District came together April 29-30, 2016 for the third quarter meeting, popular with some because of the amazing Optimist International communications contests.

During the weekend, members were delighted by the poise and opinions of a number of young adults in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest and the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH).  Group shots of the students are shown below (top Oratorical; bottom CCDHH)

We also heard the winning essay, hailing from Vancouver North Shore Optimist Club, for the Optimist International Essay Contest.

During this weekend alone, $12,500 in scholarship money was awarded to students in the PNW District-Optimist International. Congratulations to all.

Optimist International announces themes for 2015-2016 Scholarship Contests

Themes for the Optimist International Scholarship Contests have been announced for 2015-2016.

Optimist Clubs are encouraged to share the theme and contest rules with schools and teachers early, as school is getting started, in order to get the greatest participation. All contests must begin at the Optimist Club level.

More information about the new Optimist International Oratorical Contest where students may win up to $22,500 will be discussed at the PNW District Convention.

Also new this year for the Oratorical and Essay contests, students must be under the age of 18 as of September 30 October 1 of the Optimist International administrative year. The Optimist International administrative year runs from October 1 to September 30.

The Optimist International Essay Contest takes place between September and February.  The official topic for 2015-16 is "Lead by Example: Reality or Fiction." Download the entry form. 

The Optimist International Oratorical Contest takes place between January and May. The official topic for 2015-16 is "How My Best Brings Out the Best in Others." Download the entry form. 

The Optimist International Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing takes place between January and May. The official topic for 2016-16 is "How My Best Brings Out the Best in Others."  Download the entry form.

Updated July 30, 2015. 

District meeting emphasizes Honor Club today, tomorrow and always

One week ago, over one hundred Optimist Club members and guests gathered for the PNW District 3rd Quarter Meeting in Kennewick, Washington. While there, Governor Dick Disney provided motivation for them to return to their home clubs and complete the District goal of 100% Honor Clubs.

But other things happened as well. First, we heard from some of the top young public speakers in the West Coast Region. All spoke on the topic "How my optimism will help me press on to 'greater achievements of the future.'"

Seven students participated in the Communications Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. In the oral competition, Katya Nesdoly received the first place award of $2,500 scholarship. In the signing competition, Miguel Peregrino was awarded first place. He also received a $2,500 scholarship.

Seven students also competed in the Optimist Oratorical Contest. The PNW District awarded first place and a $2,500 scholarship to Lochlan Frederick; second place and a $1,500 scholarship to Lamisa Hasan; and third place and a $1,000 scholarship to Saara Meghi.

Steve Skodak, Executive Director, Optimist International made an official visit to the district for the third quarter meeting. It was a perfect tie-in for understanding how our donations to the Optimist International Foundation and Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation provide support to Optimist Clubs by funding scholarships, among other things. Steve also made a presentation  "Know your Prospects" and explained an excellent generational approach membership retention and recruitment for our Optimist Clubs to follow.

In district business, Governor-elect Michael Gray notified the assembly that the zone alignments would stay the same in 2015-2016 and lieutenant governors were elected as follows:
Zone 1, British Columbia - Al Kersey
Zone 2, Idaho - Dolores "Doe" Schamp
Zone 3, Oregon - Ben Deremer
Zone 4, Washington - Monique Connors

Reports were given by current lieutenant governors and committee chairs and all were in agreement
that the PNW District is celebrating a fantastic Honor Club year. According to Governor Dick and West Coast Region Vice President Ed Murphy, the PNW District, as of this meeting, is only one member away from being at even for membership growth. It is a perfect setting to begin the final fourth quarter drive to Honor Club.

Governor Dick announced the PNW District - Optimist International Convention will be held August 13-15, 2015 at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, Tacoma, Washington. We are honored to have as the international guests Optimist International President Ken Garner and his spouse Patsy. Registration was approved at $115 by August 6, 2015 and $130 after that date and at the door.
Registration is now open.
Download the "at a glance" program. 

Refreshed and energized, Optimist Club members headed home to do more good things in their communities and to earn Honor Club recognition so that they may continue to serve for many years into the future.


Follow the PNW Optimist District on Facebook. #pnwoptimistclubs

Why do we have an Optimist International Foundation?

Steve Skodak, CFRE

Steve Skodak, Executive Director, Optimist International Foundation will join the PNW District in
Kennewick, WA for the 3rd Quarter District Meeting. According to Governor Dick Disney, this meeting is an opportune time for all to appreciate what the Foundations do for us - Help Optimists Help Children.

The Optimist International Foundations award $150,000 in new scholarships annually. However, the amount that is disbursed every year can often exceed that amount as students enroll in college or university and request their scholarship be directed to their education. Since 2008, $1,616,479 has gone to student education at places such as Harvard, Stanford and Yale as well as many smaller private universities and state colleges, large and small.

Every year, District Foundation Representatives are appointed to help the Foundations (Optimist International Foundation in the US and Children's Optimist Foundation in Canada) meet its funding needs. The scholarship support is only part of the picture. The Foundations also provide funding to support other Optimist International programs, especially membership and marketing initiatives.

Newer to the list of services are initiatives to provide grants directly to Optimist Clubs for program purposes. There are club grant awards through both foundations and the Reel Optimism Contest that displays the enthusiasm and great work of our clubs.

You can learn more about how  your individual and club donation can help Optimist International do even more. Plan to meet Steve May 15-16, 2015 in Kennewick. Register now.

Washington to be represented in the CCDHH

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.



 

Third Quarter Regional Meeting to be held in the Tri-Cities

Registration is underway for the PNW District 3rd Quarter District Meeting, one of the best meetings that any Optimist International district can host during the administrative year. What makes this meeting stand head and shoulders above the rest? Youth.

During the third quarter, the finalists for the Optimist International Oratorical contest and Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing come together for a weekend of learning, speaking, sharing and growth. Adults are inspired by their words and the students are motivated by meeting their peers from the surrounding states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington and the Canadian province of British Columbia that comprise the PNW District.

In order to accommodate more students, this year the PNW District has relocated its scheduled meeting to Kennewick, Washington. The Tri-Cities Optimist Club is looking forward to hosting the district at the Red Lion Columbia Center on May 15-16, 2015.

In addition to the scholarship contests, the district will elect lieutenant governors for 2015-2016 and learn more about how to achieve Honor Club in the final months of the year.

Register now to attend.

Attention PNW Optimist Clubs: Prepare for the Oratorical and CCDHH Contests early

The third quarter meeting for the PNW District - Optimist International will be held in British Columbia. This means that Optimist Clubs in the United States must accelerate their Oratorical and Communication Contests for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in order to allow time to for the winning contestants to apply for a passport.

Oratorical Chair Bill Garcia and CCDHH Chair (US) Myrna Harris have requested that all regional contests be held in early March. The exact dates will be set by the lieutenant governor in your state or province, but in order to be ready, the district recommends that Optimist Club level contests be held early accordingly. 

The Oratorical Contest takes place between January and March. The official topic for 2014-15 is "How my optimism will help me press on to 'greater achievements of the future.'" Download the entry form.

The Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing takes place between January and March. The official topic for 2014-15 is "How my optimism will help me press on to 'greater achievements of the future.'" Download the entry form.

Contact the District Chairpersons here.

Themes announced for 2014-2015 Optimist International Scholarship Contests

Children head back to school in three to four weeks or less. While you scratch your head wondering how that can be possible, let me tell you about the Optimist International Scholarship Contests for 2014-2015.

As always, the contests begin at the club level. Following rules determined by Optimist International and a timeline set by the district based on those rules, Optimist Clubs invite students to participate in essay and oratorical contests.

The theme for the Optimist International Essay Contest for 2014-2015 is "Optimism Should be a Priority." It is open to students under the age of 19 who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent. Find out more, including a club planning guide here: Optimist International Essay Contest.

The theme for the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for 2014-2015 is "How My Optimism Will Help Me Press on to Greater Achievements of the Future." It is open to students under the age of 19 who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent and who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. Find out more including a club planning guide here: Optimist International Oratorical Contest.

The Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) for 2014-2015 will also address "How My Optimism Will Help Me Press on to Greater Achievements of the Future." It is open to students through grade 12 in the United States and Canada, to CEGEP in Quebec and grade 13 in the Caribbean, who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. Find out more including a club planning guide here: Optimist International CCDHH.

Now is the time to get the topics to your schools. Those who teach English, public speaking or theater arts, among others, may include the contests in their lesson plan if they know early enough about the topic and the scoring method. Counselors and others may also encourage students to participate. Get the word out there! Optimist International Scholarship Contests rock!

CCDHH Scholarship fund is short of its goal

Attendees at the 2013 PNW Optimist District Convention chose to sponsor two Communications Contests for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. One would be the traditional contest funded by the Optimist International Foundation for students that sign. The other would be for deaf students who speak funded by donations received by the district for that purpose.

Chris Stearns, District Secretary/Treasurer at that time, established a campaign through the Optimist International Foundation on behalf of the district for this second scholarship.

In order to remain solvent, this campaign fund must receive at least $2,500 in donations each year. Obviously, we would like to receive more so that we can endow this project well into the future, but both the need and the wish rely on you, our Optimist Clubs, and their supporters.

Our thanks go to the following supporters of the program in the 2013-2014 administrative year:

• Albany Optimist Club - $100
• Ray and Shirley Hilts - $100
• Mary White - $100
• Vancouver, BC Optimist Club - $100
• Gresham Optimist Club - $100
• Meridian Optimist Club - $1,000

As you can see, as of this writing we are still $1,000 short of our commitment for this year. 

To make a donation to the CCDHH speaking scholarship, please send your 2014 contribution to:

Ray Hilts, District S/T

3012 Takena St. SW
Albany, OR 97321-3424

Ray will then forward your contribution to the campaign fund with Optimist International. 

Please know that this is the same procedure for clubs and members in the US or Canada. This second scholarship is a PNW District award and the winner of the scholarship will receive their award via a check to their chosen university upon enrollment. The student must request the award be transferred by contacting the current district secretary/treasurer at that time. The secretary/treasurer will then ask for the needed information to fulfill the request. 

Students in the Pacific Northwest explain how their passions impact the world

All contestants in the PNW District Optimist Oratorical
and CCDHH come together for a photo

Last weekend, representatives from 21 PNW District Optimist Clubs came together in Keizer, Oregon to
celebrate the public speaking skills of some amazing young people in the PNW District Finals of the Optimist Oratorical Contest and the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH).

Oratorical winners (left to right):
2nd place- Micah Leutwyler
1st place - Anisha Datta
3rd place - Grace Ramstat

It's always inspirational to hear the thoughts of the students and this year, speaking about "Why My Passions are Important," was no different. They spoke of causes dear to their hearts such as anti-bullying, obesity, self image, health and wellness, and literacy. They discussed how passion helps one develop their skills and skills lead to achievement.

And the winning oratorical contestant, Anisha Datta, described how passionate journalism changes the world because it shapes public opinion. She cautioned that those who are in the media wield great power because of their place.

When students participate in the Optimist scholarship programs, they too develop a source of power as they become a voice for their generation.

CCDHH winners ( left to right)
1st place speaking- Brandon Dormer
2nd place speaking - Kennedy Gerlitz
3rd place speaking - Nicholas Hanson
1st place signing - Samantha Rowland
2nd place signing - India Weir
3rd place signing - Pria Sadher

In the CCDHH contest, first place contestant Brandon Dormer expressed something that every Optimist Club member feels. He explained that it is everyone's responsibility to make the world around them better. He said, if everyone would do this, together we can change the world. Yes, I believe we can. That's why I'm an Optimist.

Thank you and congratulations to all of our contestants.

Where will you be on May 17, 2014?

Speaking of deadlines: The 3rd Quarter Meeting for the PNW District - Optimist International will be here before you know it!

On May 16-17, 2014, Optimist Club members will gather at the Quality Suites Renaissance Inn in Keizer, Oregon. The program is packed full of inspiration for at this meeting, we hear from students as they compete in the District Finals of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest and the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The official topic is "How my passions impact the world." We'll hear just what gets these outstanding students fired-up and what they plan to do about it.

Another feature of the 3rd Quarter Meeting is the election of Lt. Governors for the next administrative year. Dick Disney, Governor 2014-15, will ask for ratification of a new zone alignment structure and the corresponding officers will be elected. Show your support for the PNW District by attending this important meeting. Register online now. 

Make your lodging reservations:

Renaissance Inn
5188 Wittenberg Ln NE
Keizer, OR 97303
Reservations: 503.390.4733
Rooms: $79 includes breakfast

Download the program here.

Meridian Optimist Club donates to the CCDHH scholarship program

The Meridian Optimist Club announced the results of its iPad drawing today, just in time for Christmas giving or receiving.Andrea Shaul was named the winner. Congratulations Andrea!

But another winner is the PNW District's CCDHH Scholarship program. The Meridian Optimist Club also announced that $700 raised in the drawing was earmarked for this special program, the only contest in Optimist International that supports both deaf and hard of hearing students who sign and those who speak with $2,500 awards.

Thank you Meridian Optimist Club!

Post by Meridian Optimist Club.

Support the Optimist International scholarship programs and you might win an iPad Air

The Meridian Area Optimist Club is a proud sponsor of the Optimist International Scholarship programs. It hosts the essay contest in the winter and the oratorical contest in the spring. This year it will also expand its offering to include the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

So they have a suggestion that will benefit  you and them. Skip Black Friday shopping and join them in this drawing instead for an iPad Air. If you win, you'll have a Christmas present sewn up. Your donation will benefit some of the best causes around.

Kirk Farnsworth, President, Meridian Optimist Club invites entries from anywhere. They'll mail  your tickets and prize, he promises. Just go to www.meridianoptimist.org or call 208-850-6729.

Plan now for the Optimist International Scholarship Contests

This weekend is that last long weekend of the summer. As we celebrate Labor Day with a camping trip or backyard barbecue, the children know that the school year is really, truly underway. For Optimist Clubs, and frazzled parents, that's a good thing. Many Optimist Clubs go into overdrive with their programs when their target audiences are easy to reach.

Now is the time to reach out to those students, teachers and parents with some of Optimist International's longest running programs. The scholarship contests connect students with caring adults, teach communication skills and helps participants, even at an early age, prepare for college and the future.

We begin with the Optimist International Essay Contest. The theme this year is "How Dreams Lead to Success." Optimist Clubs set their own timelines for the contest with the knowledge that their entries must be received by the district chair by February 28, 2014.

Following quickly behind the Essay Contest are the Optimist International Oratorical Contest and the Optimist International Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. For these contests, students will speak or sign to the topic, "How My Passions Impact the World." Zone and regional contests will be set by area lt. governors to be completed in time for the winners to advance to the finals at the Third Quarter PNW District Meeting in May.

While it may seem early to some to prepare these contests now, it's not! It is so important get on the teachers' radar screen. Ask to talk to the students directly and prepare and distribute this flyer. Often. And again. Hand out the flyer at every event that your Optimist Club sponsors. That will generate interest, word of mouth marketing and more participants for your club.

Click here to download a Word document that you can modify with your Optimist Club information.

Click here to connect with the District Committee Chairpersons for the contests.

Click here to go to Optimist International. 

Optimistic winners from the PNW District 3rd Quarter meeting

A lot of good things happened at the quarterly meeting held this past weekend in Richland, Washington. The members of the Tri Cities Optimist Club were wonderful hosts and brought us great entertainment and hospitality. Our presenters were unique, with new and thoughtful topics, and our students were the best ever as they told us "Why My Voice is Important."

Oratorical Contestants

We are very pleased to announce the winners in our scholarship competitions. Congratulations to:
Oratorical
1st - Lydia Parker - Albany
2nd - Clint Hamilton - Albany
3rd - Shazia Ayu Babul - Vancouver North Shore

CCDHH
1st - Cassidy Flake - Eagle/Horseshoe Bend
2nd - Brittany McCollum - Burnaby
3rd - Ashleigh Tregellas - Eagle/Nampa

CCDHH Contestants

As always, our first place contestants were awarded $2,500 scholarships. Matching the Oratorical Contest with scholarship awards this year, thanks to the fundraising efforts by Governor Larry Blackburn, the PNW District also presented $1,500 and $1,000 scholarship awards to the 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 

The students were inspiring and some even brought us to tears. Congratulations all! You are all winners.

Congratulations also go out to our newly elected lieutenant governors for 2013-2014. Joining the leadership team will be: 

Zone 1 - Ken Ryan

Zone 2 - Annette Smith 

Zone 3 - Monique Connors

Zone 4 - Kathy Jungels

Zone 5 - Boyd Yaden

Zone 6 - Fran Bounds

Zone 7 - Eddie Solarzano

Zone 8 - Joe Shreve

Zone 9 - Dave Hickock 

Zone 10 - Charlie Kissler

One candidate has announced his intention to seek the role of governor-elect. Dick Disney, Optimist Club of West Tacoma, will be on the the ballot.

If you have served as club president and lieutenant governor, you can also choose to run. Let Bill French, CQ Chair know that you are interested.

Watch the blog for more posts this week about what you missed. We'll offer more updates soon. If you would like to share your photos or stories from the weekend, please send an email. Thank you!

GO OPTIMISTS!

Optimist Club members from across the Pacific Northwest are headed to the Tri-Cities this weekend for the 3rd Quarter meeting for the PNW District - Optimist International. It's going to be a very busy schedule as we complete the district-level competition for the Optimist Oratorical Contest and Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

The program for May 17-18, 2013 is here or you may click on the picture to enlarge and download.

There are also agendas for each of our formal gatherings. Two may be found on each page as indicated:

• Executive Committee Meeting (May 17) and District Board Meeting (May 18) 
• Luncheon (May 18) and Dinner (May 18) 

While we always  hope that our members will register early so that we may plan appropriately, no one is ever turned away from a district meeting. The more, the merrier. Please join us May 17-18, 2013 at the Shilo Inn & Suites, 50 Comstock Street, Richland, WA. Make  your hotel reservations at 509.946.4661. 

As Governor Larry says, "GO OPTIMISTS!"