The Selma Optimist Club, along with other Zone Five Optimist Clubs from the Alabama/Mississippi District, held their yearly oratorical contest Saturday.

The official topic for the contest, which was open to students under the age of 16, was “My hero is…”.

“This gives young people opportunities to express themselves on a given topic and learn to speak before the public, said James Adams, Governor Elect for the Alabama/Mississippi District Optimist Clubs. “It also provides them with opportunities to win scholarships and the satisfaction of competing with their peers.”

Participating in the event were Natasha Agee, a representative of the Selma Optimist Club, Briona Conner, a representative of the Uniontown Optimist Club, Tankiya Coleman a representative of the Butler County Optimist Club, and Christopher L. Harrelson and Raneeka J. Hawkins, both representing the Montgomery Central Optimist Club.

Hawkins, who spoke about her respect and admiration for teachers, won first place in the girl’s division of the oratorical contest. Conner, who explained why Dr. Martin Luther King is her hero, was the runner up.

“I felt that it was a good opportunity to voice my opinion on issues around the world and to show appreciation for teachers who have helped me throughout life,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins,the daughter of Earl Hawkins and Janet Mathews, is an 8th grade student at Floyd Middle Magnet School in Montgomery.

“A couple of my teachers volunteered me (for the contest),” said Hawkins. “I did not have a choice, but I would have done it any way.”

According to 14 year old, she wants to become an attorney, then become a judge. Afterwards, she wants to become a senator, and then finally, the president of the United States.

Harrelson won first place in the boy’s division of the contest. He spoke about a family friend who died of cancer.

“I love to act, and acting has a great deal to do with your voice,” said Harrelson, the son of Chris and Jennifer Harrelson.

The 7th grade Floyd Middle Magnet School student aspires to be an actor when he is older. “I really loved Danny (his hero) and this was just a way to honor him,” said Harrelson.

“He inspired me in many comedic aspects.”

Each participant in the oratorical contest received a certificate and the winners received a plaque.

Hawkins and Harrelson will compete in the Regional Optimist Oratorical Contest on April 2 in Foley. If successful, they will then compete for a chance to win a $1,500 scholarship in the District Oratorical Contest that will be held on April 23 in Tupelo, Mississippi.

“Any time you can get young people out on a Saturday morning, it is successful,” said Jacqueline Sullivan, Lieutenant Governor for the Zone Five Optimist Clubs.

Established in 1919, Optimist International is a network of clubs that conduct positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. There are currently over 114,000 Optimist Club members across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Europe, and Africa.