Optimist International provides the topic upon which youth speak.  Invitations are sent to schools in southern Jefferson County inviting students to participate.  Winners of our club's contest go on to the next level contest and winners from there go on to the East Missouri District Contest, where they compete for over $2,000.00 for scholarships.  The East Missouri District winners go to a regional contest and the winners of that contest progress to the World Oratorical Contest, where the winner receives over $20,000.00 in scholarship funds.