Optimist International
Essay and Oratorical Contests
The Optimist International Essay and Oratorical Contests are sponsored locally by the Optimist Club of Hillsboro, Oregon. If you are a high school junior or senior you are invited to compete.
A student may enter only one of these two contests in a given year. She/he also must attend a high school in the Washington County or Hillsboro area to be considered by Hillsboro Club.
The topic for the 2025-2026 Optimist International Essay Scholarship Competition is: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged —
My Definition of Community”
See the contest applications (links are provided below) for complete contest rules and student restrictions.
To compete in the Essay Contest, a qualified student must submit a completed Essay Contest Application and a written essay. Contest rules specify the essay topic and format. To compete in the Oratorical Contest, a qualified student must submit a completed Oratorical Contest Application and present her/his prepared speech at an Optimist event. Contest rules specify speech’s topic and format.
February 15th is this year’s deadline for submitting applications.
Performance is judged by local Optimist panel. Decisions are final.
For each contest, the Hillsboro Club awards $500 (1st), $350 (2nd), and $150 (3rd). At the NW District level, awards are $2500 (1st), $1500 (2nd), & $1000 (3rd). To be considered by the NW District, a student must place at a local Club. Awards are paid directly to awardee's post high school institution account.
Use the buttons below to get the form version that you need. Fill out the correct Application; scan it and send the PDF electronically to the email address provided.
The essay required for the Essay Contest (see the Essay Application form for details) can be written on paper or typed. Submit your work electronically (PDF’d) using the contest email address provided.
The submission deadline for the Club competition is February 15, 2026.
Essay Contest
Application & Contact
Contact Roger Hampton for Essay Contest schedule and process answers. Use Roger’s email to submit your completed Essay Contest Application and your required essay. Click below for the application.
We are currently accepting completed applications and essays.
Email: roger.hampton12@gmail.com.
Oratorical Contest
Application & Contact
Contact Don Gloud for Oratorical Contest schedule details and process information. Use Don’s email to submit your completed Oratorical Contest Application. Click below for the application.
We are currently accepting completed applications.
Email: don@nwprotection.com.
