The Optimist Club of Warren County is encouraging area students to speak their minds about the topic “What the World Gains From Optimism” as part of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for the 2016-17 year.“As they prepare for their future, many of our local students need experience expressing their thoughts and opinions to an audience,” said Chuck Brewington, club president.“The Oratorical Contest challenges them to do just that and, also, offers an opportunity for scholarships. In this way, our club hopes to bring out the best in each of them and help them achieve their goals for the future.”The Optimist Club will judge the local students’ speeches based on content and presentation to determine the top winners. Winners will receive awards and the winning speeches will be sent to the next level of competition.Students have the potential to win in local, district, regional and then world competitions, where they could win up to $22,500 in scholarships.The contest is open to students under the age of 18 as of Oct. 1, 2016.Speeches must be submitted by Dec. 30.To participate, visit warrencountyoptimist@gmail.com or call 636-385-4954 or 636-385-8986 for complete rules.The Optimist Club of Warren County has been participating in the Optimist Oratorical Contest for one year and has been active in the community since 2016.Other programs and service projects that the club is involved in include Liberty Christian Oratorical Contest, the Warren County Fair, Strassenbash, the Special Olympics, Trunk or Treat and others.Optimist Oratorical Contest