Optimist Club of Raleigh

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Raleigh Optimist Club hosted its annual Oratorical Contest at the Strong Center, in Fuquay Varina. Students from local high schools and home schooled students delivered powerful speeches on the topic:
“The Moment I Realized I Belonged - My Definition of Community.”

Congratulations to our winners:
1st Place: Avishai Deshpande
2nd Place: Morgan Armstrong
3rd Place: Emma Kate Gossett
4th Place: Makayla Macklin

The winners will advance to the District contest in Garner on May 2, 2026, where they will compete for a $2,500 scholarship.

The District’s winner will then advance to the Optimist International Regional/World Championships Contests held July 17-18, 2026 at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri.

Club Vice President (and North Carolina East Optimist District Governor) Timothy Johnson served as the Master of Ceremony. Stacey Smith, Club Secretary, coordinated the venue and served as Timer. Jennifer Smith served as the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Our Distinguished Judges: Kris Bethea, Nicole Parvin, and Chris Wilson

This event continues to empower youth, build confidence, and develop tomorrow’s leaders through public speaking.

Congratulations to all! Well done!