Ocean City, MD, May 1, 2025 - Snow Hill Middle School eighth grader Elliot Larsen took first place at the Maryland/Southern Delaware District Optimist Oratorical Contest, winning a $2,500 scholarship. The competition took place Saturday, April 26, at The Grand Hotel in Ocean City, MD, and featured top young speakers from across the region.
Larsen's compelling speech on the theme How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times impressed the judges with its clarity, depth, and emotional resonance. Their victory secures a spot at the 2025 Optimist International Oratorical World Championship, which will be held in St.Louis, Missouri this July.
