For more than 40 years, the Optimists Club of Malibu has sponsored and run essay and oratorical contests for the school youth of the community, giving them a serious platform for their ideas. In addition to money grants to deserving youth-oriented groups within the community, the Optimists Club, “a friend of youth,” encourages both patriotism and student community volunteer activities within the city of Malibu. The Optimists Club also awards $1,000 college scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors each year based on high academic achievement and involvement in local community service.
The 2003 Essay Contest will take place on March 6 at the weekly Optimists Club breakfast meeting where eight young men and women will vie for gold, silver and bronze medallions and monetary awards of $500 for 1st place (and a chance to compete in the district contest), $300 for 2nd place and $200 for 3rd place. Their essay must address the topic: “When Our Freedom is Threatened.” Three non-Optimists judges will select the winners. Pepperdine professor and Optimists member Kevin Iga organized the contest and will chair the event.
The 2003 Oratorical Contests will take place on March 20 for girl entrants and on March 27 for the boys. The topic for the contest is “United We Stand in Optimism.” The contests will take place during the weekly Optimists Club breakfast meetings. Entrants will be selected from Malibu High School, Malibu Middle School and Our Lady of Malibu School. While these young people will be able to compete in the district contest, they could also advance to the zone, state, national and international competitions where winners from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean will compete for a share of $159,000 in prize monies. Local teacher and Optimists Club member Anne Payne organized the contest and will chair the event.