The Platteville Optimist Clubs are encouraging area students to speak their minds “How My Passions Impact the World” as part of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for the 2013–14 year.

The Optimist Clubs will judge the local students’ speeches based on content and presentation to determine the top two winners. Winners will receive $100 scholarships and the winning speeches will be sent to the zone level, and possibly the district level for the opportunity to win up to $2,500 in college scholarships.

“As they prepare for their future, many of our local students need experience expressing their thoughts and opinions to an audience,” said Platteville Area Optimist Noon Club President Christine Storlie. “The Oratorical Contest challenges them to do just that and also offers an opportunity for scholarships.  In this way, our clubs hope to bring out the best in each of them and help them achieve their goals for the future.”

The Oratorical contest is open to participants from Platteville, Cuba City, Belmont, Lancaster, Dickeyville, Potosi, Hazel Green, Benton, Livingston, and Cobb communities. Students younger than 16 as of Dec. 31 who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent, are eligible to participate.

“The oratorical contest is not only a great opportunity for area youth to compete for scholarship money, but is also a unique way to gain experience in speech writing and public speaking. By developing these skills at an early age, area youths can set themselves up to achieve great success in their lives,” said Platteville Optimist Breakfast Club President Eileen Engelke.

Anybody who is interested may get entry forms and directions for the contest at their local area public libraries, local middle and high schools, or at www.optimist.org/Form/ORATORICAL_RULES_PAD-E_13-14.pdf.

The contest will be held at the Edward Jones office on East Business 151 in Platteville Thursday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m.