LIMA, OHIO (WLIO) — The Lima Noon Optimist Club is helping Allen County students develop skills that will benefit them in the future.
The club hosted its first oratorical contest after another local club stopped holding the event. Students from Bluffton, Elida, and Shawnee competed by developing speeches on the topic “How optimism has guided me through trying times.” Each student had around five minutes to deliver their speech, sharing personal stories of overcoming injuries, adversity in sports, and receiving unexpected medical diagnoses. Even if a student did not win, participants still gained valuable skills in public speaking, self-expression, and self-assurance.
Students from Bluffton, Elida, and Shawnee competed by developing speeches on the topic “How optimism has guided me through trying times.”
“Public speaking, I know they teach it in college. This is a great tool to use to just get your confidence built up and get used to talking to people. And you know, optimism really is a way of life. We would love to see these kids maybe become future members,” said Jen Fitzpatrick of the Lima Noon Optimist Club.
The winner, Riya Naroor from Shawnee, got a cash prize and will move on to compete against winners from other clubs in the zone oratorical contest.
