Earl Friedman Oratorical Contest

Sponsored by the Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club

Contest Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, arrive by 7:15am to register

Location: First Presbyterian Church of Farmington
                26165 Farmington Rd.
                Farmington Hills, MI 

(Northwest corner of Farmington Road and 11 Mile)

Application Deadline: Applications must be received by March 1, 2025.

Mail to Anne Sebesta, Oratorical Chairperson, P.O. Box 2203, Farmington Hills, MI 48333-2203, or email documents to jalsebesta@att.net.

Title/Topic: How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times

Length of Speech: The speech must be at least four minutes but not more than five minutes to avoid penalty points.

Qualifications:  The contest is open to students who live in and/or attend school in Farmington or Farmington Hills, are under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2025, and are not currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student of a post-secondary institution (college).  There is no minimum age.  A copy of the contestant’s birth certificate must be submitted at the time of the contest.

Prizes: Medallions and 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 for the chance to win additional prize money.  The topic remains the same.

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.