Meridian Optimist Events

January

  • Jan
    1

    Optimist International Oratorical Contest

    Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - Monday, March 31, 2025

    Topic: “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times"

    When: Club Contest will be on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 6:15 pm.

    Deadline for entries: All entries must be received by March 3, 2025

    Where: Meridian Library @ 1326 W. Cherry Lane, Meridian Idaho

    Who: Students under the age of 19 years as of October 1, 2024, who have not yet completed secondary school. This is a combined gender contest where boys and girls compete against each other. There is no minimum age.

    How to Enter: Fill out the enclosed entry form and send to: The Optimist Club of Meridian PO Box 681, Meridian, ID 83680 or download one from our website: https://www.meridianoptimist.org/scholarship2025

    You will need to submit a copy of your speech and birth certificate with your application

    The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships are awarded annually from this program.

    First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year.

    The First, Second, and Third place winners at the Club level receive medallions and cash awards of $200, $150, and $100 respectively. The Pacific Northwest District provides a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000. The District Contest will be held in Kenewick, Washington in April, 2025. Check back periodically for the exact date of the district contest.

    Winners of the District level will be eligible to compete in a regional competition in St. Louis Missouri at Saint Louis University.  Winners of the regional contests will compete in the 2025 World Championship also held at Saint Louis University.  Students could possibly win up to $22,500 or more in scholarships!

    For more information contact:

    Mike Harris (208) 484-8529

    info@meridianoptimist.org

  • Jan
    1

    Optimist International Essay Contest

    Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - Saturday, March 29, 2025

    Topic:  "How Optimism Has Paved My Way To Success"

    Deadline for essays to be turned into the Meridian Optimist Club is January 24, 2025.

    The Meridian Optimist Club awards the first three places with medalions and cash awards.

    First place receives $200

    Second place receives $150 and

    Third place receives $100.

    In addition the Club-level winning Essay will be submitted to the District Level Contest for the opportunity of winning a $2,500 college scholarship.

    Students wishing to participate in the essay contest can download an entry form here or contact the club chairman Mike Harris at 208-484-8529 or mhmh21711@gmail.com

March

  • Mar
    15

    Luck O' The Irish Casino Night

    Saturday, March 15, 2025

    The Meridian Optimist Club will be sponsoring our 15th annual “Luck O’ the Irish” Casino Night.  This event will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  The event is being held at the “Center at the Park” in Julius M. Kleiner Park, next to the The Village, 1920 N. Records Avenue, Meridian, Idaho.

    If you are interested in attending, volunteering to deal, or have questions regarding donations or sponsorship. Please contact:

    Travis Walthall at (208) 631-8141 or Bert Moore at (208) 949-3763.

    Entry tickets are $20 per person, which includes play money.  Bring two non-perishable food items for the Meridian Food Bank and receive an extra $100 in play money!

    Proceeds from this event will Community Youth Programs

April

  • Apr
    19

    45th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

    Saturday, April 19, 2025

    48th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

    Saturday, April 19th, the Meridian Optimist Club will be holding its 48th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. It will be held at the Meridian Elementary School located at 1035 NW 1st Street, Map Meridian. Egg Off will be at 11:00 a.m. sharp so get there a little early for a great spot! We invite kids ages toddler/special through 10 years of age to participate.

    The field will be divided into four lanes, one for each age group. There will be signage near the starting line indicating which age group is in that lane.

    Adults are asked not to enter any of the lanes with the exception of the toddlers. Adults are welcome to accompany the toddlers.

    There will be marked "Laffy Taffy" with a sticker indicating 0-3, 4-5, 6-7 or 8-10. (Each lane is assigned a number) Take your winning "Laffy Taffy(ies)" to the prize table set up at the end of the lane you picked them up in to claim your prize(s). Make sure you are at the correct table by age group.

    The hunt will begin when the fire truck and police sirens go off at 11:00 a.m. sharp! This is when the fun begins!

    There will be complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, and bottled water available at the refreshment table located at the playground entrance. There will be a donation jar at this table and donations will be very much appreciated.