CNS Optimist Club seeking entries for Oratorical Contest

The Optimist Club of Cicero-North Syracuse is sponsoring an Oratorical Contest with a top award of a $2,500 college scholarship. Students under the age of 19 who live within the boundaries of the North Syracuse Central School District are eligible to participate. This year’s contest theme is “How Optimism Has Guided me Through Trying Times,” and will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd., N. Syracuse, NY).
 
Students wishing to participate in the Feb. 25 contest should email Mr. Crabtree by Feb. 18 with their intent to participate and the entry form. Contestants will be asked to speak on the official topic for four to five minutes with timing beginning at the first spoken word. 
 
Contest applications are available by clicking here and should be emailed to Mr. Robert Crabtree by Feb. 18.  

Contest Rules:

1. All contestants must speak on the official topic.
2. All contestants must state the official topic in the first sentence of the speech. Timing will begin with the first spoken word.
3. Any quotation, copyrighted or largely paraphrased during the presentation must be identified verbally during the presentation and in the written copy of the speech with the original author's name.
4. The use of props , special costumes or clothing, will result in DISQUALIFICATION.
5. Notes and lecterns can be used if the contestant wants.
6. The time allowed will not be under 4 minutes or over 5 minutes.
7. No reference can be made that identifies the contestant, parents, school, community, sponsoring Optimist Club or District.
8. A printed copy of speech must be furnished before the speech along a copy of your birth certificate.

Contest: Tuesday, February 25 6 p.m. at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building (5355 West Taft Rd.) in North Syracuse.  Please notify Mr. Crabtree one week in advance (February 18) that you are participating by sending a text to 315 430 0304. 

Past winner strategies;
Dress code - Boys -nice shirt/pants tie 
Girls dress, blouse or sweater/skirt 
Speak to all parts of audience. Judges will be seated throughout. Use eye contact with audience. 
Majority of winners will not use lectern or notes.