Wildwood Wins Optimist Club Oratorical Contest

Ward Advances to District Competition

By: Melissa Lowrie

Wildwood Christian Academy students, 6th Grader, Adam Ward, and 8th Grader, Hannah Smith, took first place honors March 20th at the Optimist International Oratorical Contest, held at Jasper Middle School. The topic this year was: "Cyber Communication: Progress or Problem?"

Both Ward and Smith advanced to the Area level competition in Rome, held on March 27th. There they competed against winners from other Optimist Clubs. Hannah Smith took 2nd place honors and Adam Ward was awarded 1st place. Adam will now advance to the District level in Warner Robins in May; the District Competition will include all the winners from the state of Georgia. The 1st place girl and the 1st place boy will each win a $2,500 scholarship.

“Adam and Hannah did a wonderful job presenting their speeches,” Club President Parish Lowrie said. “The members of our Optimist Club have no doubt that these students have a bright future ahead.” The Optimist Oratorical Contest is one of the organization’s most popular programs, with more than 2,000 clubs participating annually.

Congratulations and good luck in the next round, Adam!