Optimists choose speech, essay winners

The Maryville Optimist Club recently announced the local winners of its annual oratorical and essay contests.

Winners of the oratorical competition, which was divided into men's and women's divisions, were Sarah Henggeler, daughter of Don and Marilyn Henggeler, Maryville, and Michael Filips, son of Art and Julie Filips, Maryville.

Both will now move on to the zone contest, where they will have the chance to advance to district level and the opportunity to receive scholarships ranging between $1,000 and $2,500.

All oratorical competitors were high school or middle school students under age 19. Each presented four- to five-minute speeches titled "Why My Voice is Important."

Other contestants included Darrel Hawley, South Nodaway; Sabrina Olson and Peter Kempf, St. Gregory’s School; and Hannah Townsend and James Reid, Maryville Middle School.

Olson and Hawley placed second and third in the women's division. Kempf and Reid were runners-up for the men.

Northwest Missouri State University faculty members Bayo Oludaja, John Katsion and Joy Daggs served as judges. Jessica Sigman was the event coordinator.

Essay contest winners were Maryville High School seniors Mikaila Wallace, first place; Naima Msechu, second place; and Jaime Dowden, third place.

All three are students in Janet Jelavich’s honors English class.

This year’s theme essay theme was, "How can I help my friends realize their value?"  

As the local winner, Wallace could have the opportunity to compete for college scholarships at the district level.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Optimist International is an international service organization with 87,000 members and 2,900 clubs worldwide. The group's motto is "Friend of Youth."