OPTIMIST CLUB OF SALISBURY
Programs
Youth Appreciation Day
The Optimist sponsor Youth Appreciation Day in November of each year. Middle School and High School Students from Wicomico County and Delmar are selected to attend a one day program. Students are selected for their special skills in areas of Academics, Athletics, Leadership and Extracurricular Activities.
The field trip varies each year. They visit various Governmental, Educational and Community locations so that they become more aware of those activities in our community and what they do. That evening, each student and their parents attend a dinner as guests of the Optimist Club they individually receive a certificate for participation and recognition of their accomplishments.
Optimist Seagull Classic
The Optimist in coordination with Salisbury University Athletic Department sponsor the Seagull Classic Basketball Tournament in early December. Four men's college teams to include Salisbury University participate in the tournament held at the Salisbury University Athletic Complex.
The Optimist enjoy an excellent working relationship with Salisbury University and receive public recognition for supporting this and other youth programs.
Essay Contest
The Essay contest is designed to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the World in which they live. The approach can encompass a youth's personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants are eligible to win a college scholarship awarded by the Salisbury Optimist.
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Download the application for this year's Optimist International Essay Contest below.
Oratorical Contest
Since its start in 1928, the Oratorical contest has become the longest running program sponsored by Optimist International. The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with the opportunity to complete for a college scholarship.
The Oratorical Contest begins each year in April. The competition is open to students from Wicomico County and Delmar Schools. Winners from the Salisbury Optimist Club will proceed to compete with other winners from the Zone and may move on to the State Competition in Ocean City.
Girls Softball
The Optimist sponsor a Girls Softball program held on the two fields at Prince Street Elementary School in Salisbury. The season starts in early May and end in late June. Some 450 girls participate in the excellent athletic activity.
Optimist members provide overall organization, announcers, score keepers, concession stand operators and upkeep on the fields. This activity operates in support of the Wicomico County Parks and Recreation Girls Softball program.
See more Girls Softball Pictures here.
Respect for the Law
Each year in May the Optimist recognizes outstanding Officers from our local Law Enforcement Agencies. Each Officer is selected by their Supervisors, based on exemplary performance at their jobs. The Officers along with their Spouses and Supervisors are dinner guests of the club.
At this evening event, each Officer is introduced by their Superior, recognized for their individual achievements and given a plaque honoring their commitment to their department and to the community.
Scholarships
In June of each year the Optimist Club awards five $1500 Scholarships to one student from each of the Wicomico County and Delmar High Schools. In mid March through April, Applicants for the Scholarship will be reviewed on their grades, extracurricular activities, community involvement. Selected members will participate in a final round interview to select the final recipient.
Scholarship Winners and their parents and counselors will be guests of the Optimist at a dinner event where they will be introduced and receive their award.
Junior Golf
Each year we sponsor local youth to participate in the Optimist Junior Golf Championships. Winners of the Maryland and South Delaware District will proceed to the Optimist International Championship at PGA National in Palm Beach, Florida.
The competition is open to Boys and Girls, age groups: 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, and 16-18.