Contest winners announced

The Jackson Noon Optimist Oratorical Contest was held Tuesday, Feb. 25 at Delmonico's. Nine bright ladies expressed their thoughts on this year's topic: "United We Stand in Optimism."

Judi Owens, club president, left, stands beside winners of the oratorical contest: Sara Sutterer, second place, Erica Michelson, first place and Audrey Stanfield, third place. Sue Wunderlich, co-chair stands far right.

Michelson will advance to the zone level. The zone winners will advance to the regional competition, then to district level with a $1,500 scholarship award.

Participants included Brittany Lang, Allison Schwent, Sarah Hinkebein, Chelsea McDowell, Kami Miinch, Erica Michelson, Audrey Stanfield, Page Clark and Sara Sutterer. A panel of three judges evaluated each speech based upon the following criteria: poise, content, delivery and overall effectiveness.

The Oratorical Contest is the longest running program sponsored by the Optimist International designed to inspire today's youth, 15 years of age and younger, to motivate and inform others through the art of public speaking.