PUSD Students Compete in the Optimist Oratorical Contest

The Optimist Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International. The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking, perfect self-expression, gain self-assurance, improve communication skills, and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a scholarship. This year’s topic - “How to Change the World with Optimism". 

Each contestant prepared a 4-5 minute speech. 

This year we had 17 applications submitted and 14 students competed; each contestant prepared a 4-5 minute speech. The contest was held at Garey High School, where and the room was filled with parents, friends, and Optimist members.

Ist place winner, Joaguin Resendez, Ganesha High School, awarded $500

2nd place winner, Kaitlyn Than, Garey High School, awarded $300

3rd place winner, Diana Quezada, Pomona High School, awarded $200  Diana Quezada 

The top two winners will be moving on to compete at the District level. 

We were honored to have the following judges, time keeper and Sergeant of Arms.

1. Mayor Tim Sandoval – Mr. Sandoval has been the City of Pomona Mayor since 2016 and has won the re-election for the next 4-year term.  He attended Pomona Schools and has dedicated his life to education and building Pomona for the better.
2. Luz Laguna – A 5-year member of the Valley Toastmasters Organization. Ms. Laguna has worked in the medical field for the past 35 years as a BSN Nurse and currently works for Cigna as an infusion Nurse. 
3. Donna Houston – a Pomona resident for 25 years. Ms. Houston is a Community Life Commissioner. She is the founder and President of the Nogales Buffalo Soldiers Awareness Legacy Association.

Time Keeper – Dr. Rosario Ambriz, Director, Pomona Unified School District.

Door Monitor – Sergeant of Arms, Ms. Ruby Jung – a lifelong resident and Optimist Member.

Pictured Below: 

Top Row: (Left - Right) Mayor Tim Sandoval; Dr. Rosario Ambriz; Dr. Roberta Perlman, PUSD Board Member; Lorraine Canales; Luz Laguna; and Donna Houston.

Bottom Row: (Left - Right) - 3rd place winner -Diana Quezada; 2nd place winner Kaitlyn Than; 1st place winner - Joaquin Resendez.