Earl Friedman Oratorical Contest
Sponsored by the Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club
Contest Date:
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, arrive by 7:15 A.M. to register
Location: First Presbyterian Church of Farmington
(NW Corner of Farmington Road and 11 Mile Road: 26165 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334).
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026; MAIL application to Anne Sebesta, Oratorical Chairperson, P.O. Box 2203, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, OR EMAIL application to Anne at jalsebesta@att.net.
Title/Topic: The Moment I Realized I Belonged – My Definition of Community
Length of Speech: At least 4 minutes, but no longer than 5 minutes.
Qualifications: The contest is open to students who: (i) live in (or attend school in) Farmington or Farmington Hills; (ii) are under the age of 19 by October 1, 2026; (iii) are not currently enrolled in college-level courses; (iv) have not yet completed high school; and (v) have been educated in the U.S., Canada or Caribbean. There is no minimum age. A copy of the contestant’s birth certificate must be submitted along with their application.
Prizes: Medallions, as well as monetary prizes of $500, $350, and $200 will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, respectively. A Certificate of Participation will be given to all contestants.
Next-Level Competition: The 1st and 2nd place winners will advance to the next-level Zone contest (via Zoom) for a chance to win a plaque, and possibly advance further to the District, Regional and World levels of competition. The overall potential college tuition scholarship could be $22,500.00.
Contestants and family members or guests are welcome to attend the contest. A light breakfast will be provided.
For additional information, please contact Anne Sebesta, Oratorical Chairperson at jalsebesta@att.net, or text her at 248-302-6366.