Topic: "How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times"
Purpose:
This contest is designed to offer young people who are deaf or hard of hearing the opportunity to present their thoughts in a public forum. This experience helps contestants develop the skills and confidence to present in sign or orally to a large audience.
Eligibility:
Contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2025 and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent. Contestants must submit the results of an audiogram (or Cochlear Implant Programming Report) completed no longer than 24 months prior to the date of the contest by a qualified audiologist. Contestants must be certified to have uncorrected hearing loss of 40 decibels or more, which must be supported by the audiogram (or CI Programming Report) in order to be eligible to compete.
Requirements:
Speech is limited to 4-5 minutes. Contestants may use sign language, an oral presentation or a combination of both.
Sponsorship:
Student participants are sponsored by a SWIS District Optimist Club. The CCDHH Contest scholarship is sponsored by the Optimist International Foundation. (If your club is aware of a student who would quality and/or your club would like to sponsor a student, please contact the SWIS District CCDHH Chair).
Awards:
Scholarship(s) will be awarded at the SWIS District Third Quarter Conference, scheduled for May 10-11, 2025.
Club Contests:
Scheduled between February 1, 2025 and March 31, 2025
Zone Contests:
Scheduled between April 1 and April 31, 2025 Location TBD
District Contest:
Third quarter SWIS District Conference, May 10 - 11, 2025.
Club Planning Information Link:
Optimist International CCDHH Scholarships
CCDHH Application Link:
SWIS CCDHH Chair Contact SWISOPTIMISTSCHOLARSHIP@GMAIL.COM
SWIS District Deadline:
Submit winners to Optimist International by June 2025.
Promise Yourself...
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
