Students are asked to choose optimism for the Optimist International scholarship contests

As we head into a new administrative year for Optimist International, we also head into a new season of scholarship contests for students. 

We're excited for the Optimist Clubs in the Pacific Northwest District to help students choose optimism by writing, speaking, or signing about these topics. 

The Optimist International Essay Contest takes place between September and February. The official topic for 2020-2021 is "Reaching your Dreams by Choosing Optimism." Download the entry form.

The Optimist International Oratorical Contest takes place between January and May. The official topic for 2020-2021 is “Healing the World with Optimism.” Download the entry form.

Optimist International partnered with St. Louis University to expand the Oratorical Contest in 2016. This year, in the fourth year of the partnership, we expect it to improve even more! District winners will compete on an international stage where they have the opportunity to win up to $22,500 in scholarship money.The Optimist International Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) takes place betweenJanuary and May. The official topic for 2020-2021 is “Healing the World with Optimism.” Download the entry form.

When specific dates and the PNW District Chairpersons are announced, we will update the information on this website. For now, please share this contest with students, parents, teachers, and all others who are helping students learn from home. 

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 Contests 2017-2018

We don't mean to nag, but we must tell you about the Optimist International Scholarship Contests in which your Optimist Club can and should participate.

There is no time too early to start planning for these activities and we think the sooner the better because, believe it or not, some teachers and students ignore the great opportunities that these programs provide. If you are an Optimist Club president, please appoint a chairperson for each of these activities, download the club planning guides and get involved.

The topic for the 2017-2018 Optimist International Essay Contest is "Can Society Function Without Respect?" Optimist Clubs set the date for student entries to be received. Participating Optimist Clubs must submit their entries to the District Chairperson by February 28, 2018.

• Optimist International Essay Contest Club Planning Guide
• Optimist International Essay Contest Entry Form

The topic for the 2017-2018 Optimist International Oratorical Contest is "Where are My Roots of Optimism?" Optimist Clubs set the date for club-level contests. All should be planned before the zone-level contest that is scheduled by the lieutenant governor in each zone. All zone contests take place before the third quarter conference scheduled for April 27-28, 2018.

• Optimist International Oratorical Contest Club Planning Guide
• Optimist International Oratorical Contest Entry Form 

The topic for the 2017-2018 Optimist International Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) is "Where are My Roots of Optimism?" Optimist Clubs set the date for club-level contests. Depending on the level of interest from Optimist Clubs in this administrative year, this contest may be placed on hold in the Pacific Northwest District. Please check back for the status of this contest after January 1, 2018.

• Optimist International CCDHH Contest Club Planning Guide
• Optimist International CCDHH Contest Entry Form

Students may participate in all Optimist International Scholarship Contests by following the guidelines found on the entry forms and submitting it to the Optimist Club closest to them. While not all Optimist Clubs participate in all scholarship programs, all chapters are part of the Optimist International network and may help students find a club that is hosting the activity this year.

Promise to live the creed 1.10

The Optimist International Essay Contest has grown in popularity over the past few years with more and more students choosing to write an essay about an optimistic topic in an effort to win a $2,500 scholarship. This year promises to bring a great number of contestants in the Pacific Northwest with Trenna Bowman Garcia serving as the chairperson for Optimist Clubs in the PNW.

The topic for the 2016-17 school year is: "Chasing Optimism in the Face of Challenges."

Students under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2016 are eligible to enter. Contests start at the club level and each club determines the timeline for its local event. 

The PNW District must receive your club's winning entry by February 28, 2017. Clubs may view a planning guide here. 

Contact Trenna for more information. 

Like all PNW District officers and chairpersons, Trenna has promised to live the Optimist Creed this year and every year. 

You can make the promise, too, by sending your photo here. 

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.

Notes from the First Quarter PNW District - Optimist International meeting

Sixty-five or more Optimist Club members came together on October 24-25 to share stories and learn new procedures for the 2014-2015 administrative year. This marked a little increase in attendance from the last district gathering. No matter the size of the group, the enthusiasm and positivity are always a highlight and this meeting was high on both. Celebrating the Halloween season, these goofy do-gooders were dressed in style.

During the the course of the weekend we learned Governor Dick Disney's goals. He plans to attend all PNW District Optimist Clubs during the year and he will encourage them all to reach the Honor Club distinction. By achieving Honor Club, each club will replace lost members, serve their community with projects and programs and be financially solvent. Honor Club is an honorable goal.

The group heard from Linda Vaught Jackson about social media and how to use the Optimist International and PNW District websites to promote their Optimist Clubs to both internal and external audiences. Inspired by a presentation she heard given by James Patrick Schmidt at the Illinois District meeting earlier in the month, she shared ideas to develop a target market and to always be promoting your Optimist Club.

Attendees also drew inspiration from Optimist International President Ken Garner as they watched his moving speech from the Optimist International Convention.

Essay Contest deadlines were shared with the reminder that all winning club essays must be turned in to Chairperson Robin Stanhope by February 28, 2014.

The CCDHH and Optimist Oratorical Contest chairpersons informed the group that the third quarter conference was scheduled to be held in British Columbia in May, 2014. To allow lead time for US contestants to apply for and receive their passports, the Regional Contests will be held early in March 2014. Clubs must therefore hold their Optimist Club contests by February 28, 2014 as well.

The cost to enter all scholarship contests is $50 per contestant advancing to the second level of competition be it zone, regional or district. This amount is paid by the sponsoring Optimist Club.

Among other activities, the district budget was approved, growth incentives were discussed and immediate past governor Fred Wallace was recognized by Governor Dick for his service.

Inspired to do even more in their communities, the group adjourned to the second quarter regional forums to be held in February and March 2015.

For more information about all district activities, promotions, programs and projects, please contact your Lt. Governor at this link or a committee chairperson at this link.

If you have any questions about using the websites, please leave Linda Vaught Jackson a note here or contact Optimist International directly.

Beaverton Optimist Club honors Brittany Chandler with scholarship

Brittany Chandler receives the Dean Mitchell Public
Safety Scholarship from Marv Thompson,
Beaverton Optimist Club

The Beaverton Optimist Club had a busy day on Thursday, June 12, 2014. The first order of business was to honor Brittany Chandler as the recipient of the Dean Mitchell Public Safety Scholarship.

Dean Mitchell was a local businessman, former Optimist Club president and district lieutenant governor. As an Optimist, one of his favorite club projects was the Respect for Law program. After his death, his widow helped the Beaverton Optimist Club establish this annual scholarship designated for a student from the Beaverton area to pursue a career in public safety.

On hand to help make the presentation special was Sheriff Pat Garrett of the Washington County Sheriff's Department.

And rounding out the day with a little monkey business was a visitor from the Hillsboro Optimist Club. He came to fetch the club's gavel which President Wally Johnston had graciously hidden inside a bag of wood chips.

Rumor has it that the Beaverton Optimist Club's gavel is missing now!

See more pictures of the day on Facebook courtesy of Eric Squires. 

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.

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. 

Portland NE Optimist Club announces Donna Jo Anne Flye Memorial Scholarship

The PNW District received a note from Boyd Yaden today that announced the passing of a long time Optimist Club member of the Portland NE Optimist Club, Donna J. Flye.

According to the announcement, she was an outstanding optimist and the club has decided to honor her memory by creating a scholarship in her name. The Donna Jo Anne Flye Memorial Scholarship will be an annual award and full details are available by contacting Boyd Yaden, Treasurer, Portland NE Optimist Club at 503-702-3812. 

Donations may be made to the scholarship fund by mailing the  Portland NE Optimist Club, attention Boyd Yaden, Treasurer, 13640 SE Hwy 2012, #103, Clackamas, OR 97015-8511. 

Please contribute to the International Foundation to benefit CCDHH

The PNW District is participating in Idaho Gives today as nonprofits across Idaho raise money online for their causes. Our district decided to support the scholarship programs, specifically, the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Help us reach our goal of $2,500 for this year and an overall goal of $10,000 to endow the scholarship for the future. The money is being raised through an online platform called Razoo, but is then deposited into the Optimist International Foundation to benefit the PNW District campaign. Thank you for making a donation now.

Raise money online for CCDHH Optimist International Scholarship

Third Quarter PNW Optimist District Meeting to be held in the Tri Cities

Hanford Reach 

Registration is now open for one of the most popular events of the year: The Third Quarter PNW Optimist District Conference. It's at this event that we get to see and hear the most talented oratorical and CCDHH contestants.

Oratorical students will speak on the topic, "Why My Voice is Important" and CCDHH students will speak on the similar topic, "Why My Opinions Matter." Both scholarship contests are gender neutral and boys and girls compete against one another. Both contests will award scholarship prizes in the following amount: 1st - $2,500; 2nd - $1,500; and 3rd - $1,000.

The Third Quarter PNW District Conference will be hosted by the Tri Cities Optimist Club at the Shilo Inn, Richland, Washington. Reservations may be made by calling the hotel directly as follows:

May 17-18, 2013
Shilo Inn & Suites50 Comstock Street
Richland, WA 99352
509.946.4661 

Rooms:
Single Queen $74.00
Single King $84.00
Double Queen $94.00 

For reservations, please call 509.946.4661 and tell them you are with the Pacific Northwest District Optimist.

Conference registration by April 30, 2013 is $85 per person US or Canada. After April 30, 2013 it is $95 per person US or Canada. Register online now or print and mail the registration form today.

In addition to the scholarship contests, the PNW District will welcome Steve Skodak, CFRE, Executive Director, Optimist International Foundation. There will be education and motivational activities, plus the election of lt. governors for the 2013-2014 Optimist International administrative year. 

Plan now to join the kids and the adults for the fun.

Hanford Reach photo courtesy of the PNNL on flickr.

Picture them speaking at the Optimist Oratorical Contest

The winners of the Pacific Northwest District - Optimist International Oratorical Contest for 2012 are Katrina Nguyen, 3rd place; Ester Frederick, 2nd place; and Matt Ferguson, 1st place.

All students gave a five minute presentation on the topic "How my optimism helps me overcome obstacles."

In an unusual occurrence, Matt was also named the winner of the PNW District - Optimist International Essay Contest. He won $2,500 for each effort, making his scholarship total for the weekend $5,000.

Thank  you to all of our participants in Optimist International scholarship programs this year and congratulations to our PNW District finalists. You rock.

Click here for information about the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and here for a picture of the finalists.

Students, start writing!

The kids are headed back to school in just a few short weeks! That means it is time to begin communicating with students, parents and teachers about the Annual Optimist International Essay Contest.

The topic this year is "How My Positive Outlook Benefits My Community."

Students under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2011 may compete for a $2,500 scholarship by writing 700 to 800 words on the assigned topic and submitting their entry to the local Optimist Club. 

The contest begins at the club level. First place entries from all clubs are forwarded to the District level where the essay is judged against all other club winning entries to achieve the $2,500 award. 

District winners are forwarded to the international level where the top essay writer is recognized in The Optimist magazine.

This contest has become quite popular in the PNW District. Please be sure to review the rules pad and club chair package because there are some changes to the contest this year. 

• Entry form for students
• Club planning guide

Students: to find your local Optimist Club in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington or British Columbia, please use the links on the left side of this page. Please be aware that not all Optimist Clubs participate in this contest. 

Essay, Oratorical and CCDHH contests, oh my!

It's that time of year! With Essay, Oratorical and Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Contests in full-swing, Optimist Club members have the opportunity to hear from students about current affairs. They never fail to impress.

There is one question that is often asked of our leaders: Can we award cash prizes at the club level?

The answer is yes, but not every club is comfortable with that, so some opt for savings bonds instead. The Beaverton Optimist Club came up with yet a different solution. The first, second and third place students in the Beaverton Optimist Club Essay Contest are asked to choose an organization at their school for the prize money to be donated to. What an excellent way to teach civic responsibility in a pay-it-forward manner.

Shown here are the winners of the Beaverton Optimist Club Essay Contest. Please share your pictures with us and we'll compile a photo album of our club scholarship contests and share them here.

Mail them here. Thanks.

Optimist International Scholarship Contest dates announced for the PNW District

Optimist International Scholarship contests are underway and the chairpersons for the Essay and Oratorical Contests have provided the dates that Optimist Clubs need to know for their club planning.

Essay Contest
Topic: "How my Education is the Key to a Successful Future"
Click here for information and entry form. 
DEADLINE: Clubs must have their contest completed and first place entry to Fred Wallace, Chair no later than February 28, 2011. Call 503.668.1145, 503.704.7388 or email cougar_17047 [at] msn.com for more information.

Oratorical Contest

Topic: "If I were leader of the Free World, the First Issue I would Address Would be..."
Click here for information and entry form.
DEADLINE: Clubs should complete the club level contest by March 19. Lt. Governor should hold the zone level contest by April 2. Regional contests must take place on or before April 16. Contact Cathy Cena, Chair at  778.329.5584 or ccena [at] shaw.ca for more information.

The District Oratorical Contest and Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) will be held on April 30 in Salem, Oregon. More information is forthcoming on the CCDHH contest.

Coquitlam Optimist Club honors scholars

The Coquitlam Optimist Club recently held the Robert Simms Memorial Annual Scholarship dinner and presented ten graduates with scholarship awards. Please click here to find out more on the Coquitlam Optimist Club blog.

Participate in an Optimist Scholarship Contest

Every year, Optimist Clubs around the world participate in Optimist International sponsored scholarship programs for writing and speaking. All begin at the club level and have different criteria to progress through zones, regions, and district judging. The topics for 2008 and a PNW District Contact email address for each contest are as follows:

Essay Contest - "Today's Choices Shape My Future" Email

Oratorical Contest - "Why Me? Why Not?" Email

Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDH) - "Why Me? Why Not?" Email

Find out more, including entry requirements, at newoptimistclub.com.