Optimists Hold Annual Oratorical Contest

During the month of March the Royal Oak Optimist Club sponsored it's annual Oratorical Contest for area middle school students. This year the topic was

" Why My Voice Is Important"

The participants including nine girls on March 13th and six boys on March 20th presented their speeches to an audience of parents, fellow students and Optimist Club members. The event was held at the Boys and Girls Club with breakfast provided by the Optimists. The winners will go on to compete in the Regional Oratorical Contest in Pontiac on April 20th.

First place for the girls went to Kelly Stapelman from Royal Oak Middle School. The boys winner is Lyndon DeFoe from Shrine Academy. The volunteer judges included Judge Terry Brennan from 44th District Court, Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison and Optimist Club President Jay Dunstan for the Girls and Judge Derek Meinecke form 44th District Court, Royal Oak City Commissioner Peggy Goodwin and Royal Oak Mayor pro Tem Pat Capello for the Boys.

The other participants for the girls included Megan Veryser 2nd place, Julia Halkey 3rd place and Abigail March, Jewelyane Conger, Megan O'Donnell, Morgan Minjares, Lena Hoppe, Stephanie Rippey.

The boys division included Albert Carter 2nd place, Macey Smalley 3rd place and Beck Benson, Andrew Hendren, Asher Smith.

Many thanks go out to Optimist Club Member Cas Swastek who chaired the event and MC, Shannon Jovic as well as the teacher coordinators form the schools: Theresa Cabalum - Anderson Middle School, Berkley, Kate Brueckman and Tina Weathers - Royal Oak Middle School and Jennifer Ehle - Shrine Academy.

* Pictured are L to R Cas Swastek, Optimist Event Chairperson, Boys Winner - Lyndon DeFoe, Girls Winner - Kelley Stapelman and Shannon Jovic , Optimist Vice President.