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U-Mary Optimist Club Announces Inaugural Speech and Essay Contest for Fifth- and Sixth-Graders

Presented by University of Mary

April 9, 2011

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Bismarck, ND — There’s a new kind of competition for fifth- and sixth-graders in Bismarck-Mandan. The University of Mary Optimist Club is announcing the

2011 Speech and Essay Contest, an exciting opportunity for fifth- and sixth-graders to perfect their writing and speaking skills, compete for savings bonds, and present their speeches before a panel of distinguished leaders from around the state.



As part of the contest, students are asked to write a two-page essay on the following topic:



“There are many different kinds of leaders in the world. We may learn about them through history, or know them personally. Who do you think is a great leader and why?”



The top 24 essays will be chosen to advance to the finals event, which takes place on Saturday, April 9, at 9 a.m., in Butler Hall of the Gary Tharaldson School of Business on the campus of the University of Mary. At this event, the students will present their speeches before a panel of distinguished leaders from around the state that includes historian Clay Jenkinson; Bismarck State College President Larry Skogen; and University of Mary Associate Professor Dr. Rebecca Chalmers. Savings bond of $250, $150, and $50 will be awarded to the top three finalists in both grade levels.



The contest is open to all fifth- and sixth-grade students in Bismarck and Mandan, and there is no cost to enter. Essays should be crafted to fit a 3-5 minute speech and content must be original. They can be submitted by e-mail to umaryoptimistclub@gmail.com. The deadline for essays is March 15, 2011. Parents and teachers can call Matt Becker at (701) 425-5703, or Allison Mann at (701) 590-9781 with any questions.