On Saturday, May 14, 2022, ten students throughout the state participated in the Arizona District Oratorical Contest, held at the Doubletree by Hilton Phoenix East Hotel. The students ranged in age from eleven to eighteen years of age. Seven clubs, representing all six zones, sponsored at least one student each.
This year’s topic was “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times”. The three judges were very impressed with the students and the content of the speeches, their poise, and their ability to express themselves clearly and passionately.
First place was awarded to Saturnino Pajkos, a freshman, sponsored by the Heat Club of Tucson. He won a $2,500 scholarship, and will participate in the Optimist Regional Contest held on July 20-22 in St. Louis. This year students still have the option to participate by Zoom or go to St. Louis to compete in person. Winners at the regional level earn $5,000 in a college scholarship, and then will proceed to the International Competition, where they can receive up to $15,000.
Second place was awarded to Adellae Umphress, a high school student from Yuma. She earned a $1,500 scholarship and was sponsored by Yuma Sunrise Optimist Club. Third place went to Hayley Anglin of Tucson, sponsored by the Rincon Club of Tucson. Hayley, a senior, earned a $1,000 scholarship, which she plans to use in the fall.
Emily Schlatter, Brielle Ison, Emma Prior-Barker, Alexa Romero, Peter Jones, Samantha Wang, and Lily Swenson were the other seven contestants. Each participant was given a goodie bag, a plaque, a certificate of participation, and an Oratorical Pin.
As a district, we would like to encourage those students who are eligible to participate again next year. They did an amazing job!
