Greensburg junior wins Optimist Club Oratorical Contest

Ten Decatur County students participated in the contest

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – Having a fear of public speaking is known as glossophobia.

There are ten students in Decatur County who overcame any sort of glossophobia to participate in the Greensburg Optimist Club’s Oratorical Contest on Monday night.

The students were asked to give an original speech that was based on the question, “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times.” 

Greensburg junior Chloe Dick won the contest and is receiving $200 as part of her award. 

The second place finisher was Ameliah Colin and the third place contestant was Gabby Miller.

Chloe and Ameliah will have the opportunity to compete at the regional level for a chance at a scholarship. They could even advance to the the Optimist International World Championship if they perform well at regionals.

“Our contestants dug deep, connected to the theme, and showed such bravery as they shared that connection with the audience.” Club Contest Chair Sonja Kolkmeier shared. “ We have a lot to learn by the strength and resiliency of our youth!” 

Other students who were involved tonight included Charles Cornett, Jada Gault, Isabella Harrison, Mackenzie Lohrum, Rylee O’Mara, Erica Scheidler, and Wade Schutte.

“In addition, thank you to Bob Blankman for being the evening’s emcee, Amy Born, Tina Hoeing, and Douglas Orr for judging. Additionally, thank you to Dustin Smith for running the lights and sound and the Greensburg Community High School’s Junior Optimist Club for their behind the scenes assistance,” Kolkmeier added. 

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with over 80,000 adult and youth members in almost 3,000 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico and throughout the world.

The Optimist Oratorical Contest is one of the organization’s most popular programs, with more than 2,000 clubs participating annually.