The Optimist – Special Programs Issue 2026

2026 Signature Programs Special Issue

Be The Change: Announcing Our 2026 Visual Arts Contest Winners!

We are thrilled to announce that notecards featuring winning artwork from the 2026 Optimist International Visual Arts Contest will be available for purchase soon.

This year, we received a breathtaking array of imaginative entries, and these notecards perfectly showcase the incredible talent of our young artists and their inspiring interpretations of this year’s theme, "Be the Change.”

Support Our Young Artists Each pack includes 12 cards with unique designs and envelopes, all for just $10. These notecards are perfect for personal use or as a thoughtful gift for fellow Optimists, friends, or family.

By purchasing a set, you'll not only be supporting the artistic development of young people but also spreading the message of Optimism throughout your community!

Congratulations to Our 2026 Winners: 7 and Under Category Lainie Booth, age 6 Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club Hadley Chandler, age 7 Optimist Club of Hickory Flat, Georgia Josie Hickman, age 7 Optimist Club of Daniel Boone Liera Park, age 4 Optimist Club of Daniel Boone

8-11 Category Amanda Birova, age 10 Jelgava Municipality M usic & Art School Elizabeth Crump, age 10 Tri-Town Optimist Club Luize Anna Graumane, age 10 Jelgava Municipality M usic & Art School Farhan Hanshi, age 11 St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club Kristiāna Enija Kučiere, age 11 Jelgava Municipality M usic & Art School Rosalie Mariano, age 10 Optimist Club of Daniel Boone Kari Nessler, age 11 New Ulm Optimist Club Anya Sazonava, age 10 Optimist Club of South Winnipeg, MB

MISSION STATEMENT By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

Features

2026 Signature Programs, Vol. 106, No. 4

VISION STATEMENT Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values ​​all children and helps them develop to their full potential.

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Words of Wisdom

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Calendar of Events

CORE VALUES Optimism Optimism is at the heart of everything we do.

We foster a shared sense of hope and resilience.

We encourage positive action within ourselves and our communities and persist through difficulties with the belief we can create meaningful change, ensuring that we and those we serve can reach our fullest potential.

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Club of the Year

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Optimists Working for Learning Success (OWLS)

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Optimist Golf

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JOIful Giving

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The Evolution of Junior Optimist International

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Welcome New Members

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Optimist International's Scholarship Contests

21

Rewind

Respect Through respectful interactions we value the unique contributions and inherent worth of every individual.

We honor all people with dignity, compassion and care by embracing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion.

Integrity We uphold the highest standards of honesty, ethics and transparency in everything we do. We are accountable for our actions and follow through on our commitments.

We conduct ourselves in all actions by doing what is right, even when it is difficult. We set a positive example and inspire others to follow.

Global Community We embrace diversity, interconnectedness and shared humanity across all cultures, beliefs and borders. Our commitment to the global community encourages us to think beyond local solutions and consider the broader impact of our actions. By nurturing a spirit of cooperation and empathy, we work towards a better world together.

PURPOSES OF OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international agreement and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life, and the world.

THE OPTIMIST CREED Promise YourselfTo be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Optimist The Official Publication of Optimist International Managing Editor Cheryl Brenn Editor J. Ryne Danielson Designer Jason Cook Editorial Office 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 Office (314) 371-6000 Fax (314) 371-6006 Email magazine@optimist.org

On the Cover 2026 Oratorical World Champion Jordyn Velitchkov.

Generous support from the Optimist International Foundation made this publication possible.

Optimist (ISSN 1085-5017) (CPN 40032242) (USPS 808-320) is published quarterly in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer by Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, a non-profit and incorporated association of Optimist Clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Periodicals posted at St. Louis, MO, and at additional mailing offices. Digital periodicals posted online at Optimist.org.

POSTMASTER:

Send address changes to The Optimist, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. © Copyright 2026

Words of Wisdom ill dult who w a n a — n io champ of deserves a the power d s il d h n c ta ry rs e e v d "E at , who un the best th up on them e e m o iv c g e r b e v y e n that the , and insists n o ti c e n n o Pierson c be." — Rita ly ib s s o p they can ore

ery c efines the v d it e s u a c ous be bs and vari this quote lu e s C o t h is c I m : ti p and this quote r Junior O out awards Why I like Through ou g . in rs d e n b a h m e n a mist m ration. uch more th of our Opti e next gene re doing m th a r e fo w s , n ts io s r a student, amp youth conte y, or mento a cting as ch s a s e re a n a e d w a less. s— a speech, re ntial is limit te to scholarship o n p te ir s e li th how up to m every tells them When we s porting the ection that p n u n s o c d l n u a rf ," e pow he Change we create a m to "Be T e th g in g n e ll We are cha m Kendo way. — To e th f o p te s

"Children are the liv ing messages we se nd to a time we will not see." — Neil Postman Why I like this quot e: I chose this quot e because it speaks generational impact to the lasting, of our signature yo ut h programs. As I re submissions for ou ad the incredible r Essay Contest an d hear the powerfu from our Oratorical l, he artfelt speeches champions each ye ar, I am reminded th hosting events; we at we are not just are shaping the futu re. Our investments people ensure that in these young the "living message s" we send to tomor with hope, resilience row are filled , and profound optim ism. — Cheryl Br enn

3 • Optimist

Calendar of Events

A look at what’s coming up for Optimist International

JUNE • F lag Day • Optimist International Convention • Pride Month

J U LY • Q4 July/August/September • Optimist International Convention • Junior Optimist International Summit • Oratorical World Championships • Optimist International Junior Golf Championships

AUGUST • National Nonprofit Day • International Youth Day

CLICK HERE to see the calendar of upcoming events on the website

Conversations that inspire ED

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From tips on building new clubs and engaging current members to manifesting your optimistic “superpowers,” you don’t want to miss Shane Neuman and Theresa Jarratt’s thought-provoking podcast, Choose Optimism.

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Choose Optimism Podcast Find The Choose Optimism Podcast Here: Choose Optimism Podcast (RSS)

Choose Optimism Podcast (Apple Podcasts)

Download it and listen anywhere!

SHANE NEUMAN

Signature Programs 2026 • 4

Club of the Year Highland Club Named Club of the Year After Record Year of Service and Growth

by Blythe Dorrian Communications Coordinator

P

ersistence paid off for the Highland Optimist Club as they received Club of the Year honors for 20232024, recognizing a year of scholarships, fundraisers and deepened community impact.

For President Scott Geest, who led the club during the award-winning year, the recognition was both humbling and validating.

“Everyone in the Club knew we had applied for it,” Geest said. “We announced it at a meeting. They were all proud that we earned Club of the Year. It is quite an honor.”

Geest’s path to leadership in the Club began simply.

“I was just a member at first,” Geest said. “One of the incoming President, Craig Loyet asked me if I wanted to eventually become President. I accepted.”

Geest moved to Highland in 2000 for work and became more involved once his children graduated.

“I was 50 years old, and the kids were out of high school moving on to further education,” Geest said. “It was time to really get involved with a Club that had given a lot to the activities our kids were in.”

5 • Optimist

The position quickly proved to be a significant time commitment.

“There are two meetings and one Board meeting each month,” Geest said. “We do pizza fundraisers twice a year, and we put out flags five times a year. It compounds, and it’s a pretty big undertaking. I work full-time, but it was very rewarding.”

The Highland Optimist Club serves a community of about 10,000 residents with approximately 220 members.

“We’ve always had good membership and been strong in the community,” Geest said.

Past President Nick Reed had previously led Club of the Year applications that placed second or third.

Continuing that effort became a goal.

“It was always a goal at some point to apply for Club of the Year,” Geest said. “We haven’t applied every year in the past few years.”

Geest approached the application process with determination.

“It took me three 8-hour days to complete the application,” Geest said. “I wanted to have pictures for everything we did and be accurate as far as how many people it affected. I wanted to make sure it was accurate and factual.”

Geest said the application process was a little daunting because he didn't exactly know what OI was looking for.

“I based my application off the format of our Past President, Nick Reed,” Geest said. “The application for Club of the Year was open ended, which was good, because it gave more leeway.”

While fundraising totals were strong, Geest emphasized impact over income.

“Everyone wants to know how much money we’re making, but I think it was more about how many youth were affected,” Geest said. “That’s what makes it more impactful.”

Under his leadership, the club expanded opportunities and strengthened internal engagement.

“I wanted to add another fundraiser or a scholarship,” Geest said. “We have increased to five scholarships now. We also added a golf tournament that is comprised of primarily our internal members. It brings out membership together for fellowship and

adds value to our Club.”

Geest said that the Highland Optimists are a close-knit Club that is very good at mobilizing and supporting each other with fundraising activities.

“We have group texting, an all-call number, and also an email thread,” Geest said. “Everyone brings a different talent to the table, and we can draw on a lot of expertise in a lot of different areas.”

“

We’ve always had good membership and been strong in the community” – Scott Geest, Highland Optimist Club President

One of the club’s largest events is its annual Optimist basketball shootout, which draws about 2,500 attendees.

“We have about seven games throughout the day,” Geest said. “You could buy a ticket for about $24 to attend. A lot of the time it is the top players from the schools in Missouri and Illinois. We’ve had teams from Texas and Florida. We cleared $60,000 from it. It takes about 100 members to put on, and the high school helps as well.”

The basketball shootout and Avenue of Flags serve as the club’s two largest fundraisers. In addition, the club recently relocated its Christmas tree lot to the town square.

Signature Programs 2026 • 6

“It is kind of a Hallmark feel to have 100 Christmas The club also supports organizations such as Leaps trees out there and a trailer with families coming up,” for Love, which serves children affected by cancer.

Geest said. “That just happened this year.”

“We assist them at their race night,” Geest said. “We Community partnerships remain central to the supply the food and feed the families. It is impactful club’s mission. Geest recalls firsthand how the club’s meeting them, hearing their stories, and serving matching program supported his son’s hockey team. them.”

“My son was involved in the Highland Hockey Club,” Geest said. “The Highland Optimist Club has a matching fundraising program. If a student club raises funds, we will match a certain portion of it. We would put on barbecues at our local grocery store, and it was a good activity for our hockey club.

The Highland Optimist Club always matched it and made it more beneficial.”

Geest said that he felt a little responsibility to give back when he had the opportunity to.

“To us, it doesn’t matter if we are supporting a theater group or a sports organization,” Geest said. “As long as we are supporting the youth in some fashion, that’s what we are all about.”

Among Geest’s favorite events is the annual Youth Appreciation Banquet.

“We take the leaders from all the local clubs at the high school,” Geest said. “They are invited to a banquet, and we put on a program thanking them for their service. The mayor comes, and we have a speaker who shares experiences with them. They don’t get a monetary award, but they are given a certificate at the end thanking them for their service.”

7 • Optimist

Geest credits the club’s members for making his presidency successful.

“As President, you really rely on your Chairpeople,” Geest said. “They don’t have to do it, but they step up to serve with no hesitation. They all said yes. That’s the thing that blew my mind. People stood up with no questions asked. It sure made my Presidency easier.”

The 2023–2024 year also marked the club’s 75th anniversary where they honored ten people. Geest said he had the Past President help with the event.

“We’re coming up on our 78th year this fall,” Geest said. “We hope to make it to 100 years.”

Looking back, Geest encourages other clubs to pursue recognition.

“You have to take that first leap of faith to just apply,” Geest said. “You never know how you stack up to other Clubs until you do.”

He said the process itself created something lasting.

“You learn more about your Club as you write and record the events,” Geest said. “It creates a history that you will always have.”

OWLS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LOCAL SCHOOLS WITH

O p ti mist s Wor king fo r L e a r n i n g S u c c e ss ( O W L S )

Many of our Clubs are already doing incredible work in partnership with local schools, but what if there was a way to highlight and amplify that impact? That’s the goal of our newest signature program, OWLS — Optimists Working for Learning Success.

The OWLS program serves as an educational umbrella, helping us track our collective engagement and impact in schools and communities. It provides a focus for Clubs looking for a Signature Program and is a wonderful tool for membership recruitment. By creating an official framework, we can develop stronger partnerships with schools and eventually earn endorsements from national educational associations, becoming the premier service organization supporting local schools.

OWLS projects can include a wide range of activities your Club may already be doing, such as: · Mentoring and tutoring · Providing school supplies, hygiene items, or weekend food packages · Chaperoning field trips, judging science fairs, or conducting mock interviews To support these valuable projects, your Club can consider obtaining funding from our foundations— the Optimist International Foundation (OIF) and the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation (CCOF). For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the links below: ·

OIF Club Grant

OIF Childhood Health & Wellness Grant

CCOF Club Grant

Ready to get started? The path to launching an OWLS program in your community is straightforward: 1. Research & Prepare: Identify local schools and determine your Club’s capacity and focus. Prioritize 3 key areas where your Club can assist.

2. B uild Relationships: Reach out to school leaders to discuss how you can work together.

To help with your initial outreach, download our customizable email template here.

3. I mplement: Launch your first activity, monitor its progress, and collect feedback to ensure its success.

By uniting under this initiative, we can create a safe, comfortable, and productive environment for students everywhere. Let's work together to help our students succeed!

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Optimist Golf

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Optimist Golf

Optimist Builds Champions More Than a Tournament— A Pathway for Young Leaders T

he Junior Golf program has done far more than crown champions. It has helped shape confidence, character, friendships, and futures for thousands of young golfers around the world.

Every summer, junior golfers arrive in Miami with dreams as big as the fairways they are about to play. Some come hoping to lift a trophy. Others arrive simply excited for the opportunity to compete against talented players from around the globe. But by the end of the week, many leave with something even more valuable—a deeper belief in themselves.

That is what makes Optimist Junior Golf different.

The Optimist International Junior Golf Championship has grown into one of the world’s most respected junior golf events, attracting more than 600 golfers from approximately 30 countries each year. More than 5,000 junior golfers compete annually in Optimist qualifying events hoping to earn a place at “THE OPTIMIST.” Signature Programs 2026 • 10

Optimist Golf

The 2026 Optimist International Junior Golf Championship will once again be held at Trump National Doral Resort and Spa and will feature three championship phases: July 15-20, 2026 Boys 10-11, 12-13 Girls 10-12 July 20-25, 2026 Boys 14-15 Girls 13-14 July 25-30, 2026

Boys 16-18

Girls 15-18

Building More Than Golfers The Optimist Junior Golf program was founded on a simple but powerful idea: young people grow when adults believe in them.

Since its beginning in 1968 and its partnership with Optimist International in 1978, the program has become a launching pad for some of golf ’s greatest names. Players such as Scottie Scheffler, Phil Mickelson, Jason Day, Tiger Woods, Lexi Thompson and Brooke Henderson all competed in the event during their junior careers.

But while trophies and championships matter, Optimist leaders know golf teaches lessons that last long after scorecards are signed.

11 • Optimist

Junior golfers learn integrity by calling penalties on themselves. They learn resilience after difficult rounds. They learn discipline through practice and preparation. Most importantly, they learn how to compete with character.

Optimist volunteers witness these moments every year — not just the victories, but the quiet acts of sportsmanship that define true champions.

A Global Family What truly separates the Optimist experience from many junior tournaments is the atmosphere created by volunteers, families, and fellow competitors.

Golfers from different countries share meals, laugh together, and build friendships that often last for years. Many participants describe the event as a family reunion as much as a championship.

Young athletes experience world-class competition while also discovering the spirit of international friendship and respect.

College coaches attend the championship each year, recognizing the high level of competition and the caliber of players the event attracts. But even with elite talent on display, the Optimist philosophy remains unchanged: every participant matters.

For many golfers, simply qualifying for THE OPTIMIST becomes one of the proudest accomplishments of their young lives.

Optimist Golf

The Volunteers Behind the Success Behind every registration table, shuttle stop, golf course, scoring area, and awards ceremony stands a dedicated team of Optimist volunteers.

The program also recognizes achievement beyond the golf course through academic and community service honors, reinforcing the importance of leadership in all areas of life.

These individuals donate countless hours because they believe in helping young people succeed. They understand that encouragement from a caring adult can change the direction of a child’s life.

In a world where youth sports can sometimes focus only on rankings and results, Optimist Junior Golf continues to emphasize something bigger — developing young people of character.

From first-time volunteers to longtime tournament leaders, each person plays a role in creating an environment where junior golfers feel supported, welcomed, and inspired.

Champions are not built in a single swing or one final-round score.

That spirit of service is woven into every part of the championship.

Optimists do not simply run tournaments — they create opportunities.

More Than a Week of Golf The impact of Optimist Junior Golf stretches far beyond one championship week.

Many former participants return years later as parents, coaches, volunteers, and supporters. Others go on to collegiate golf, professional tours, or successful careers outside the game. Regardless of where life takes them, many credit Optimist Junior Golf with helping them develop confidence, responsibility and lifelong friendships.

Optimist Builds Champions

They are built through encouragement.

Through perseverance.

Through friendships.

Through opportunity.

Through adults who choose to believe in young people.

That is the legacy of Optimist Junior Golf.

For generations, the program has provided junior golfers a place to dream big, compete proudly and grow into confident young leaders. Some leave with trophies. All leave with experiences that shape who they become.

And that is why Optimist doesn’t just host championships.

Optimist builds champions.

Signature Programs 2026 • 12

Optimist Golf

Optimist Junior Golf

2026 Hugh Cranford ALL-SCHOLASTIC TEAM Those making the team exemplified an impressive balance of academics, golf, and community service.

The program recognized:

● Four Academic Scholarship recipients ● One Community Service Scholarship recipient After reviewing the qualifications of impressive applicants, the Optimist Junior Golf Committee selected the following exceptional student athletes for the team:

Each golfer will receive:

● An automatic exemption into the 2026 Optimist International Junior Golf Championship ● Complimentary tournament registration, hotel accommodations and meals ● A $1,000 scholarship to the college/university of their choice

The All-Scholastic Team is named for Hugh Cranford, who served as executive director of Optimist International from 1967 to 1986. He was instrumental in starting the Optimist Junior Golf program and in 1978 led the efforts to co-sponsor the Optimist Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego, the forerunner to today's Optimist International Junior Golf Championships.

Cranford passed away in August 2014.

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ful JOIful Giving: Invest in the Next Generation The Junior Optimist International Summit is more than just a weekend, it's a life-changing experience.

This special event brings together youth for a powerful weekend of empowerment, leadership, team-building, and fun. During the event, attendees participate in communication workshops, civic engagement programs, and off-site community projects. It's an incredible opportunity for young people to learn how to lead, speak out, and actively change lives in their communities.

To make the upcoming 2026 JOI Summit in July our best yet, we need your help to reach our goal of $18,000! As JOI President Sydney Mafong reminds us, this impactful weekend simply isn't possible without the support of dedicated Optimists like you.

By making a special contribution, you are directly investing in the next generation!

Ready to be JOIful? Here's how to contribute: • Visit the OIF Website and click "Donate Now"

• Select "JOIful Giving/JOI Summit" from the designation dropdown menu to ensure your gift directly supports the summit.

Note: These special contributions will count toward your Lifetime Giving totals and make a big difference in the lives of our youth!

Thank you for helping us bring out the best in youth!

Signature Programs 2025 • 14

Junior Optimist International

A Century of Sparking Hope:

The Evolution of Junior Optimist International For decades, the Junior Optimist International ( JOI) program has served as the youth branch of our organization, empowering students to step into their own as leaders and dedicated volunteers.

Building a Foundation of Youth Leadership The roots of the Junior Optimist movement stretch all the way back to the 1920s. The spark was first ignited in 1920 when Henry Scarborough, a member of the Optimist Club of Milwaukee, spoke to a group of teenage boys about overcoming adversity through a positive mindset. Inspired by his message, those boys formed the very first Junior Optimist Club.

From those early meetings, the concept of a youth-led service organization began to spread. While these clubs have always been sponsored by adult Optimist Clubs, they proudly operate independently, electing their own officers and spearheading their own community projects. Adult members simply serve to mentor and guide the students, offering support while letting the youth take the wheel.

As the movement expanded, the need for a unified global presence became clear. In 1988, the international umbrella organization was officially established, with Adriana Johnson elected as the first youth President. Today, this vibrant network has grown to encompass over 400 JOI Clubs and more than 8,000 members worldwide.

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Junior Optimist International

The JOI Summit: Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders in St. Louis There is an undeniable, electric energy when these bright young minds gather together, especially when the backdrop is our own vibrant city of St. Louis. The annual Junior Optimist International Summit has evolved into a premier leadership experience. The summit is now held in conjunction with the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships, providing a unique platform for participants to share their passions and raise mutual awareness for both signature programs.

The upcoming 2026 JOI Summit, hosted right here at Saint Louis University from July 16–20, promises an action-packed itinerary. Attendees will dive into interactive peer focus groups, youth leadership and communication workshops, and civic engagement programs. The summit goes far beyond the classroom, emphasizing hands-on community projects, team-building activities, and off-site adventures to iconic local spots like the City Museum. It is an immersive, holistic experience designed to equip these dynamic future leaders with the tools they need to uplift their communities.

2026 JOI SUMMIT July 16-20, 2026 Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri

An unforgettable experience of leadership, service, and connection in the heart of St. Louis.

2025–2026 Junior Optimist International Board of Directors

Sydney Mafong President

Carter Sinclair Immediate Past President

Abigail Stidham Director

Aliyah Delgado Director

Chloe Reagan Director

Zachary Stidham Director Specialty Programs 2025• 16

Welcome

New Members Since the beginning of the Optimist year in October, Optimist International has welcomed 2,910 new Members and created 5 new Clubs around the world. If you’re one of those new Members, or part of a new Club, welcome! Each of you brings valuable skills and fresh ideas to our organization, and we’re grateful for your desire to bring out the best in youth, communities and yourselves.

Welcome to Optimist International, a community-service nonprofit committed to creating a more optimistic future through our many innovative programs. You are joining a global network of more than 50,000 Optimists who share your passion for making a difference.

We hope you enjoy your Membership! And remember, you’re not alone in your journey. Our international staff is here to answer your questions, provide marketing and communications support, and help with any issues you encounter.

Thank you for being an Optimist!

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Here are some highlights of what Optimist International has to offer: • Scholarship Programs: Optimist International sponsors several scholarship contests for students, such as the Essay Contest, Oratorical Contest, and Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. These contests provide opportunities for young people to showcase their talents and win educational scholarships. You can help organize and promote these contests in your local community and support the winners as they advance in their academic and professional careers.

• Junior Optimist International: Junior Optimist International ( JOI) is the youth branch of Optimist International, which empowers students to become leaders and volunteers in their communities. JOI Clubs are typically sponsored by Optimist Clubs but operate independently, with their own officers and projects. As an Optimist Member, you can mentor and guide JOI Members and help them develop their skills and potential.

• Optimist Junior Golf: Optimist Junior Golf is one of the largest and most prestigious junior golf events in the world, attracting thousands of participants from more than 40 countries. Optimist Clubs host

qualifying tournaments for junior golfers, who can advance to the annual Optimist International Junior Golf Championship in Miami, Florida. You can get involved in this program by volunteering at local tournaments, sponsoring golfers, or playing in our parent-child tournament.

• Leadership Development: Optimist International provides various resources and opportunities for personal and leadership development. Through the Optimist Institute, you can access online courses, webinars and workshops on topics such as communication, teamwork and project management. You can also take on leadership roles at the Club, District, or international level and gain valuable experience and recognition.

These are just some of the programs that Optimist International offers. We hope you also participate in our other community activities, and we look forward to seeing you at our next International Convention, scheduled for uly 6-9, 2027, in New Orleans, Louisiana!

Signature Programs 2026 • 18

Empowering the Next Generation: Optimist International's Scholarship Contests

O

ptimist International is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic dreams while honing their communications and critical-thinking skills. By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves. Our scholarship contests challenge young people to speak with confidence and articulate their ideas effectively.

Through three premier programs — the Oratorical Contest, the Essay Contest, and the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) — Optimist International provides youth an invaluable platform to share perspectives, develop self-confidence, and win college scholarships.

The Oratorical World Championships Since 1928, the Oratorical World Championships have helped youth under the age of 19 perfect their public speaking skills. The contest gives students the opportunity to express their views on a pre-assigned topic and compete for scholarship money. Today, participants vie for a share of more than $300,000 in college scholarships provided by the Optimist International Foundation and the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation.

The stakes are high as students advance through the competition. The first-place winner for each of the nine World Regions is awarded a $5,000 scholarship.

And all nine winners of the World Regional contests will be eligible to compete in the World Championship Contest, with awards for first, second, and third place of $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000, respectively.

Hosted annually at Saint Louis University, the contest has a nearly 100-year history. At the very first Optimist Oratorical Contest in 1928, 12-year-old Carlo Purpero from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was declared the winner.

For the current 2025–2026 school year, the official topic challenges young speakers to explore, "The Moment I Realized I Belonged – My Definition of Community."

19 • Optimist

2025 Oratorical Champions and Regional Winners Noémie Beauchamp St. Lawrence Regional Winner, $5,000 & 1st Place World Winner $15,000

Rene Cruz West Coast Regional Winner $5,000 & 2nd Place World Winner $10,000

Riya Naroor Northeast & Great Lakes Regional Winner $5,000 & 3rd Place World Winner $5,000

Mercy Olaniyan Middle America Regional Winner $5,000

Elliot Larsen Mid-Atlantic Regional Winner $5,000

Helen Christen Great Plains Regional Winner $5,000

Ava Borrelli Southeast Regional Winner $5,000

Rhoen Nevins Southwest Regional Winner $5,000

Oratorical 2025

The Essay Contest Our Essay Contest encourages high school students to express their views on important topics through the written word. This competition provides a unique opportunity for young people to develop their written expression skills while analyzing the world around them from a personal, historical, or cultural perspective.

Open to youth under the age of 19 who have not yet completed high school, the contest allows students to submit their work through local Optimist Clubs. Club winners advance to the District contest, where they compete for a $2,500 college scholarship funded by the OI foundations. The 2025–2026 essay topic asks students to reflect thoughtfully on the prompt: "How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me."

Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) The Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) was established to provide a platform for students with hearing loss. Patterned closely after the Oratorical Contest, this inclusive program offers youth the chance to compete in either speech or sign language in front of a large audience.

The CCDHH is open to students through grade 12 (and equivalent levels in Canada and the Caribbean) who have an uncorrected hearing loss of 40 decibels or more. By presenting their thoughts to the community, participants gain essential communication skills and self-assurance. District-level winners in this contest also receive a $2,500 scholarship funded by the Optimist Foundations.

Signature Programs 2026 • 20

Rewind

A look at more than 100 years of Optimist International memories

The First Optimist Oratorical Contest

In the May 1928 issue of The Optimist magazine, the Boys’ Work Council announced “an innovation of unprecedented interest”—an oratorical contest open to all Junior Optimist members 16 years old and younger. The contest was to be held the following month at the 10th Annual Optimist International Convention in Ashville. “What Junior Optimism Means to Me” was chosen as the first topic, and orations were to be limited to no more than 10 minutes. At the time, the nature of the prizes had not yet been determined.

At 11:00 a.m. on June 20, 1928, International President C. Edd Hall convened the first Optimist Oratorical Contest at the new Battery Park Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina.

At the end of the competition, 12-year-old Carlo Purpero from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was declared the winner of the first Optimist International Oratorical Contest. His prize turned out to be a book, a framed certificate, and a trophy.

The three runners-up were Ramson Park of Nashville, Tennessee; James Cherry of Asheville, North Carolina; and Elbert Parish of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Carlo Purpero, 1928 Oratorical winner.

The following day, the Asheville Citizen-Times and several other newspapers reported on the Oratorical Contest. It was reported that Bert Hall—the Director of Boys’ Work— received an enthusiastic reception from the convention delegates for his work in planning the contest. Hall told the audience that the Oratorical Contest was an example of “the strong grip that this work among boys has among Optimists. . . This work is vital to the needs of our country and the Oratorical Contest will be everlasting in its good effects on the contestants.”

In his oration, Carlo told the ballroom overflowing with Optimists and guests that he was proud of his state, his home city, and his nation but that “he was even more proud to be a member of Junior Optimist Club No. 12 of Milwaukee.” He went on to explain: "The club to which I belong is composed exclusively of Italian boys living in a district which is known as Milwaukee’s “Little Italy.” The ward is surrounded by the local gas works, garbage plant, railroad yards, numerous warehouses, and the commission row. Some call it the slum district. For years our only playgrounds were the streets or alleys of the neighborhood where we mingled with the pushcarts of banana peddlers and played with the goats which infested our district. Some of the bolder of us, for diversion, hitched rides on freight cars while we explored the nearby freight yards for fuel and provisions. That state of affairs has undergone a complete change since the inception of our Junior Optimist Club. This gang of kids, many who are on probation to Juvenile Court and none who are candidates for National Honor Society at school, have within the past two years become a club complete with a constitution, bylaws, officers, and meetings.

Our year-long program consists of contests in oratory and athletics and is climaxed by a two-week camping trip."

21 • Optimist

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