A reminder about the PNW Optimist District Oratorical Contest schedule

Time is running out. A popular activity for all Optimist Clubs is approaching its deadline. The Pacific Northwest District (PNW) Regional competitions for the Optimist International Oratorical Contest will take place in March in preparation for the PNW Optimist District finals on April 12, 2019, Bellingham, WA.

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

All contestants must begin their competition at the Optimist Club level. Participating Optimist Clubs will then move their top two contestants to the PNW Regional competition. The top two contestants from each PNW Region will then move forward to the District event where they will compete for a $2,500 scholarship. 

The top contestant at the District competition will advance to the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships at St. Louis University, July 18-20, 2019, where they will compete for an additional $20,000 in scholarship prizes.

Please contact PNW Oratorical Chair Becky Holm with any questions about the Optimist International and PNW District Oratorical Contest.

Please contact Governor Ben Deremer for details of the PNW Regional meeting schedule.

Optimist International Oratorical contest asks, "Where are my roots of optimism?"

One of the most beloved Optimist International programs is taking place at Optimist Clubs around the world. What is it?

The Optimist International Oratorical Contest. 

This contest began in 1928 and has been performed continuously since then. The contest is designed for young people to gain experience in public speaking and provides them with an opportunity to compete for college scholarships. Up to $22,500 can be achieved by the winner at the World Championships level.

The topic for the 2017-2018 contest is "Where are my roots of optimism?" Click here to download the contest application form with rules.

All students must begin at the Optimist Club level. Winners from the Club level advance to Zone, Regional and District competition, with the first, second, and third place finishers receiving $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 respectively.

In the Pacific Northwest District - Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia - Optimist Clubs are encouraged to complete their club-level contests in March and zone-level contests in April in preparation for the Third Quarter District Meeting and PNW District Optimist International Oratorical finals in Vancouver, Washington May 11-12, 2018.

Optimist International Oratorical World Championships schedule released

Here is the schedule for the Optimist International Oratorical Oratorical World Championships. All times are listed in Central Time Zone:

Thursday, June 15, 2017
8:30am - Southeast Region
10:00am - Middle America Region
11:15am - Great Plains Region
12:30pm - Global Region
1:30pm - Southwest Region
3:00pm - Saint Lawrence Region
4:15pm - West Coast Region

Friday, June 16, 2017
8:30am - Mid-Atlantic Region
9:30am - Northeast & Great Lakes Region
2:00pm - World Championships Contest

Watch from anywhere at www.optimist.org/stream.

PNW District Champion May Fan will compete online in the West Coast Region semifinal beginning at 4:15 p.m. CST or 2:15 p.m. PST. 

Good luck, May!

Let's send the PNW District Optimist International Oratorical Champion to St. Louis

May Fan 

The PNW District welcomed many students to the third quarter meeting and proclaimed three to be winners in their respective Optimist Oratorical or CCDHH contests. What's that? I thought that
Optimist International sponsored only two contests? 

Yes, it is true, Optimist International sponsors only two contests. Optimist International sponsors the Oratorical Contest that, in the PNW District, is gender neutral. This allows the first place contestant to win a $2,500 scholarship, second place to win a $1,500 scholarship and third place to win a $1,000 scholarship. The winner of this contest advances to the Optimist International Oratorical Regional and World Championship at St. Louis University.

Optimist International also sponsors the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) where one student who meets Optimist International guidelines for impairment may win a $2,500 scholarship at the district level only.

However, the PNW District has also decided, by vote of less than half of its Optimist Clubs, to divide the CCDHH contest into two categories, one for deaf students who sign and  one for deaf students who speak. Members and Optimist Clubs in the PNW District contribute to the second $2,500 scholarship over and above the contributions made by the Optimist International Foundation and Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation for scholarship contests.

Because the PNW District already asks for extra funding from its Optimist Clubs,  I am hesitant to put out another request. However, I've been encouraged by Phil Hansen, Vice President of the Vancouver, BC Optimist Club to share a funding request with other clubs in the PNW District.

Here is his plea:

"We are humbled as we count our blessings as we serve our youth and their families in our communities. But what is our ultimate goal? To bring out the best in everything we all do. If we do not bring out the best in ourselves first we cannot do so for others. "LIVE THE CREED," but that is only the beginning; a small but significantly important list of standards to follow in every setting of our life.

We want to give our best, and in so doing we believe that our contestants deserve to be on a level playing field, to perform at their best. Live Feed does not do them justice. We will appreciate the PNW District's financial assistance for May Fan to attend there. 

Please send information you can provide that will help May Fan, prepare for her travel as soon as possible. May Fan wants to go to St. Louis Missouri where the contest is actually held."

You may be aware that Optimist International expanded its Oratorical Contest in 2016 to become a global competition. Initially, it imagined that students might compete remotely via the internet from far away places.  In its inaugural year, many did, including the contestant from the PNW District. However, some students traveled to St. Louis to compete in person.

It appeared that the students in St. Louis had a decided advantage over the remote participants because they did not have the technical difficulties that came with the new online territory. Additionally, the students gained from meeting one another and experiencing the St. Louis University campus.

Therefore, in 2017, its second year, Optimist International encouraged its districts to send contestants to St. Louis to compete.

It appears that perhaps the PNW District administration needs some extra encouragement to make this happen.

By my estimation, sending one person to the competition would cost approximately $500.00 USD.

Please join with me in entreating the PNW District to do the right thing and allocate at least $500.00 USD for May Fan, and those who come in the years to follow, to fully compete in the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships. 

Thank you.

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.

Students speak about "What the world gains from optimism"

It's that time of year. Optimist Clubs around the world are hearing from amazing students in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest.

The students on the right recently participated in the West Tacoma Optimist Club's annual event. Listeners heard about Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill, football players, personal heroes and even the Revolutionary War as they learned about the official topic, "How the world gains from optimism." As always, it was inspiring.

Two of these students* will move forward to the Washington Zone 4 competition on April 22 where they will compete with other speakers from the Tri Cities and Vancouver Optimist Clubs for the opportunity to advance to the PNW District competition on May 5-6, 2017 in Burnaby, BC. The winning speaker in the District competition earns a $2,500 scholarship, second place $1,500 scholarship, and third place $1,000 scholarship.

From the District level, one student will advance to the Optimist International World Championships. Only the second year for the global competition, one student will compete for an addition $20,000 in scholarship prizes.

All awards are paid on request to the student's college by the Optimist International Foundation or the Canadian Children's Optimist Foundation.

Find out more about the Optimist International Oratorical World Championship scholarship contest at this link.

*To comply with Optimist International contest rules, the names of the students are not published to maintain anonymity as they progress through the event.

Optimist International Oratorical World Championships are underway for 2017

As February opens, Optimist Clubs begin preparing for the longest running and perhaps the most well-known international program: the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships. Previously known as the Optimist Oratorical Contest, in 2016, the program was revamped and with the help of St. Louis University, it now attracts participants from around the world to compete for a additional $5,000 and $15,000 scholarships over and above their $2,500 award at the District level.

The topic for 2016-2017 is "What the World Gains from Optimism." Students under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2016 are eligible to enter through their local Optimist Club. For an application with contest rules, please click here: Optimist International Oratorical World Championships entry form. 

At the District level, students have the opportunity to win scholarships in the amount of $2,500 - first place, $1,500 - second place and $1,000 - third place. 

In the Pacific Northwest District, Ray Hilts is chairing the event and will help students locate a club near them that is hosting an event if necessary.  Ray and Optimist International suggest that club-level contests be held by the end of March. A club planning guide may be found here. 

Lieutenant Governors will be coordinating Super Zone contests in British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. They have been asked to complete those contests by April 22, 2017 in preparation for the District finals to be held in Burnaby, BC during the PNW District 3rd Quarter meeting, May 6, 2017.  Dates and details will be provided when known. 

If you need help, advice or encouragement in preparation for the event, please contact Chairman Ray Hilts at 541.928.0951 or by email. 

Optimist International promotes 2016-2017 Oratorical World Championships

Optimist International has begun promotion of the second Optimist International Oratorical World Championships. Unlike its inaugural year, it is hoping that Optimist Districts will send their top speaker to St. Louis University to compete in person in this prestigious event.

The topic for 2016-2017 is "What the World Gains from Optimism."

Participants must be under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2016. Click here to download an Optimist International Oratorical Contest application with rules.

All participants should be aware that the contest begins at the Optimist Club level. Click on the Optimist Club directory to locate an club near you.

Optimist Clubs may download a planning guide here.

Highlights of the 2015-2016 Optimist Oratorical event can be seen here.

Angelina Zhang advances to Optimist International Oratorical World Championships

Angelina Zhang has advanced to the finals of the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships. The finals will be held Friday, June 24, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. PST at St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO.

Screen grab of Angelina Zhang learning that
she has won the West Coast Regional

Angelina is participating remotely from a location in British Columbia. Sponsored by the Vancouver, BC Optimist Club, she won the PNW District Optimist International contest on April 30 and secured a $2,500 scholarship. Her win in the regional contest held June 23 has earned her an additional $5,000 scholarship. In the finals, she will compete against eight other regional winners for an additional $15,000 scholarship prize.

The students competing in the finals are:

• Northeast & Great Lakes Region - Sean Domencic, Atlantic Central District
• Southeast Region - Justice Hill, South Carolina District
• Mid-Atlantic Region - William Zupp, North Carolina West District
• Middle America Region - Cameron Tyler, East Missouri District
• Great Plains Region - Grant Caldwell, Southern Wisconsin District
• Southwest Region - Dawt Sung, North Texas District
• West Coast Region - Angelina Zhang, Pacific Northwest District
• St. Lawrence Region - Maryme Auger, Quebec Central District
• Global Region - Pallovi Romen, Belize

To watch the finals, please go to http://www.optimist.org/stream.cfm, 8:00 a.m. PST, June 24, 2016.

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.

In the PNW, Optimist International Oratorical Contest are underway

In the next six weeks, students will be facing off in the annual Optimist International Oratorical Contest. The topic this year is "How my best brings out the best in others."

Beginning at the Optimist Club level, students prepare a 4 to 5 minute speech on the official topic. Complete rules may be found at this link.

Club-level winners advance to the Super Zone Contest on April 2, 2016. Locations in Idaho, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia may be learned by contacting committee chairperson Dick Disney.

The winning contestants from each Super Zone will advance to the PNW District - Optimist International competition taking place in conjunction with the 3rd Quarter Meeting in Vancouver, Washington, April 29-30, 2016. Meeting details follow:

Hampton Inn & Suites
315 SE Olympia Drive
Vancouver, WA 98684
360.891.3000
Hotel registration should be made by March 29. Rates from $129 USD/night.

Optimist Club member and guest registration
Contestant and parent/guardian registration

Each year, Optimist Clubs award $240,000 in scholarships to youths during the Optimist International Oratorical Contest. Beginning in 2016, there will be an extended contest bringing the prize money available to more than $300,000. 

District-level winners will advance, for the first time, to a Regional Contest and 8 Regional winners will then move forward to an International-level competition. The Optimist International Oratorical World Championships will be conducted in conjunction with St. Louis University and will include contstants from around the world. A single scholarship of $15,000 will be awarded at this level. Learn more about the new program here. 

Coming to an Optimist Club near you: The Optimist Oratorical World Championships

In 1928, Optimist International started the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the oldest of its scholarship programs. Each year since that time, young speakers have worked their way from the Optimist Club level to the Zone and District level to compete for prizes. The prizes have ranged from medals to modest scholarship awards and for many years, the top prize has been a $2,500 scholarship payable to the college or university of the winning student.

Coming in 2016, the Optimist Oratorical Contest is receiving a makeover. It will still involve the Optimist Club, Zone and District levels, but it has been enhanced to be truly international with more scholarship money - $22,500 - to claim.

Thanks to a partnership with St. Louis University, District winners will advance to a Regional level for a chance to win an additional $5,000. Winners from each of the 8 Regions will then advance to international competition where they will compete with oratorical contestants from around the world for $15,000.

Details for the competition at the Regional and International level are still being finalized; however, students can begin preparing today for their local and state or district-wide events. The theme is "How My Best Brings Out the Best in Others." 

Students must be 18 years old or younger as of October 1, 2015. Find complete rules and learn more at this link: Optimist International World Championships Oratorical Contest 2016.

All scholarship contests begin at the club level. Click here to find an Optimist Club near you.

This post first appeared on Experience Optimism, July 30, 2015.

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.

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!

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.