Optimists recognize speech contest winners
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Pictured above are the participants in this year’s Maryville Optimist Club oratorical contest. Shown from left are Emily Long, Johanna “Anna” Schommer, Kelly Fillips, Seth Nolte, Marcello Brownsberger and Chase Graves.
MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Maryville Optimist Club recently hosted its annual oratorical contest at the Nodaway County Courthouse.
The winner in the girls division was Kelly Fillips, Maryville High School, daughter of Art and Julie Fillips, Maryville, and the winning boy was Seth Nolte, Maryville Middle School, son of Shannon and Marty Nolte, also of Maryville.
Filips and Nolte will now advance to zone-level competition March 14 at the Maryville First Christian Church.
Successive levels include regional and district contests and the possibility of scholarships of between $1,000 and $2,500.
The annual competition is open to students under 19 years of age. This year’s speech topic was “How My Optimism Will Help Me Press on to Greater Achievements in the Future.”
Bayo Oludaja, Bob Bohlken and Joy Daggs served as judges for the local contest. Jessica Sigman served as event coordinator.
Fillips and Nolte each received medals. All six contestants received participation certificates.
Other students competing included Johanne Schommer, second place, Maryville Middle School; Emily Long, third place, St. Gregory’s School; Chase Graves, second place, Maryville High School; and Marcello Brownsberger, third place, St. Gregory’s School.
Established in 1928, the oratorical contest is the oldest continuing program of Optimist International.
Other scholarship opportunities offered by the local club include a $250 award to a senior Octagon Club (Optimist youth) member. The organization also presents a $2,500 scholarship to the district winner of an annual essay contest.
