Pomona teens invited to participate in speech contest

The Pomona Breakfast Optimist Club is accepting applications from students attending Pomona high schools interested in participating in its annual Oratorical Contest.

Participants will be asked to deliver a speech using the phrase "If I were leader of the Free World, the first issue I would address would be...." as the basis of the talk, according to a statement from the club.

Students have until Feb. 15 to enter the contest.

Participants will be asked to deliver their speeches in late February or early March with winners announced in March.

Judges will consider participants' poise, content of speech, delivery and overall speech effectiveness, the statement said.

Contest entry forms and details area available through the English Department or assistant principal offices of the following high schools: Diamond Ranch, Ganesha, Garey, Pomona, Park West, Pomona Alternative, Pomona Catholic, School of Arts and Enterprise, School of Knowledge and Village Academy.

Additional information and applications are available by calling 909-392-8666.

"Young students today have many fresh ideas about the world and the world's future," said contest Chairman Vernon Price. "As Optimists, it is our goal to encourage students and do what we can to bring out the best in each of them."

The contest affords students a chance to use their creativity and compete for scholarships, he said.