The Optimist Club's 2026 Oratorical Contest was held at the Platteville High School on Monday, March 16th. "The Moment I Realized I Belonged - My Definition of Community" was the topic for this year's contest. Contestants placing first and second will move on to the SWIS District Zone 5 competition, with an opportunity to advance to District. At District Level, they are elgible to win scholarships in the amount of $2,500, $1,500 or $1,000. The contestants are pictured below.

Advancing to SWIS District Zone competition in first place is Nuzaira Rabbini, daughter of Farzana Marni and Mohammad Rabbini of Platteville. She will receive $150 from the Platteville Optimist Club.

Congratulations Nuzaira!

Placing second in the competition was Sophie Kammerud, daughter of Hailee and Ryan Kammerud of Darlington. Sophie will receive $100 from the Platteville Optimist Club and will also advance to the SWIS District Zone 5 competition.

Congratulations Sophie!

Thea Kammerud, daughter of Hailee and Ryan Kammerud of Darlington placed third and will receive $50 from the Platteville Optimist Club.

Congratulations Thea!

Thank you to all the Optimist members who were involved in supporting this competition.