Meridian Optimist Events
October
November
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Nov1
Optimist International Oratorical Contest
Sunday, November 1, 2026 - Tuesday, March 16, 2027
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives young people the opportunity to share their ideas and speak to the world. Through this program, the Optimist International Foundations award more than $150,000 in college scholarships annually.
First conducted in 1928, the Oratorical Contest is the second most widely participated-in program offered by Optimist International. Each year, nearly 2,000 Optimist Clubs take part in the competition.
Optimist International Oratorical Championship Promo
2026-2027 Topic: “How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me”
To be eligible, a contestant must: Be under the age of 19 on October 1 of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1–September 30); and not have completed high school or its equivalent. There is no minimum age requirement.
How To Enter: Students interested in participating should submit an application (link below) and a speech on the assigned topic through the Optimist Club of Meridian program chair (Mike Harris) at meridianoptimist32086@gmail.com
Awards and Scholarships:
At the Club level of competition, cash awards of $250 for 1st, $150 for 2nd, and $100 for 3rd.
At the District level of competion, scholarships may be awarded as follows:
1st Place: $2,500 scholarship
2nd Place: $1,500 scholarship
3rd Place: $1,000 scholarship
(Scholarships are provided at the District's discretion and may vary) District winners advance to the Oratorical Regional Championships, where they compete for a chance to qualify for the prestigious Oratorical World Championship.
Deadline:
The deadline for the local contest entry will be March 5th with the local contest on March 15, 2027. -
Nov1
Optimist International Essay Contest
Sunday, November 1, 2026 - Saturday, January 30, 2027
The Optimist International Essay Contest gives young people a platform to share their ideas, perspectives, and opinions about the world around them. Through thoughtful and creative writing, students can explore topics from their own personal experiences, their community or country, or even a historical perspective.
In addition to strengthening their written communication and critical-thinking skills, participants have the opportunity to earn scholarship funding for their future education.
Winners at the Club level will have the opportunity to win cash prizes: 1st - $250; 2nd - $150; and 3rd - $100. First place at the club level will then advance to the District Contest, where they compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. District-level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundations
2026-2027 Topic: “Finding My Voice in a World Full of Noise”
To be eligible, a contestant must:
Be under the age of 19 on October 1 of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1–September 30); and not have completed high school or its equivalent, There is no minimum age requirement. Students must submit their entries through the District in which they reside. U.S. students attending school on military installations outside the United States may enter through the District associated with their last permanent U.S. home of record.
How To Enter:
Students interested in participating should submit an application (see link below) and an essay on the assigned topic th0 the Optimist Club of Meridian, Progarm Chair (Mike Harris) at meridianoptimist32086@gmail.comDeadline:
The deadline to enter the Meridian Optimist contest will be January 31, 2027. Submissions will not be accepted after Club-level contests have closed.
Essay Contest Quick Links -
Nov27
Meridian Optimist Christmas Tree Fundraiser
Friday, November 27, 2026 - Sunday, December 20, 2026