Palmetto Optimist Club announces Essay and Oratorical Scholarship Contest winners

Palmetto Optimist Club announced the winners of the annual Essay and Oratorical Scholarship Contest. The competition, designed to foster communication skills and reward academic excellence, saw participation from students across the community.

Bayleigh Donhauser, a student at Thomas Sumter Academy, was the first-place winner. Donhauser's essay earned her a $150 award, and she will advance to the district level to compete for $2,500 in scholarships. Her insightful and eloquent composition impressed the judges, showcasing her remarkable writing talent and intellectual prowess.

In the Oratorical Contest on March 19, Angela Agno claimed the title of first-place winner. Agno's captivating oratory skills earned her a $150 award, demonstrating her ability to articulate ideas with clarity and conviction. Isabella Grudinski secured the second-place position, receiving a $100 award for her impressive performance. Sophia Levi took third place, showcasing remarkable oratory skills and earning recognition for her outstanding presentation.

All three Oratorical Contest winners hailed from Wilson Hall, highlighting the school's commitment to nurturing public speaking talents among its students.

The Palmetto Optimist Club will send the top two Oratorical Contest winners to the next level of the Optimist International World Championships. This prestigious opportunity could lead to scholarships worth up to $22,500 at the international level. In the event that one of the top two contestants is unable to participate, the third-place winner will be offered the chance to compete at the next level.

The club extended its best wishes to all Oratorical Contest participants as they prepare for the zone-level competition on April 6 in Lugoff. It also encouraged them as they advance to the district level, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their oratory skills on a broader platform.

For more information about the Palmetto Optimist Club and its initiatives, visit PalmettoOptimist.org.