News Release

WARSAW — The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club recently announced the winners of its 2023 Essay Contest.

The theme for the contest was “Who is an Everyday Hero That Brings Out the Optimist in You?”

The winners of the contest are:

1. Mia Blocher
2. Teagan Alley
3. Jasmine McKinley

All three will be awarded cash prizes at the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club’s meeting at 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, in Creighton’s Crazy Egg Cafe.

The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist is also hosting its Oratory Contest for students ages 19 and under. The topic for this contest is “Discovering the Optimism Within Me.”

The local Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Oratory Contest will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 26, on the second floor in the Kosciusko County Courthouse Old Courtroom, 100 W. Center St., Warsaw.

Contestants would need to let the Club know early in the week of March 19 or earlier to reserve a spot. There are 20 spots and they are first come, first serve.

The application is available here and can be printed out. A completed application should be sent to one of the co-directors (Shari Benyousky [email protected] or to Jeff Owens [email protected]) by Wednesday, March 22.

Oratory Contest Tips:

• The competition includes competitors of all ages and skill levels. It is intended to be a safe space to try out something new. All will be welcomed and applauded.
• Prizes will be awarded to two winners with prizes. In years past. prizes have included iPads, laptops and/or cash. A winner might decide to go to the next level with more prizes and scholarships. A few years ago, the Club had someone go on to the national competition in St. Louis, Mo., and win $2,000.
• Read the instructions carefully for tips. Most importantly, the speech should only be between four to five minutes long. The speaker may use notes.