OPTIMIST CLUB OF SALISBURY
Programs
Essay Contest
The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In additional to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win scholarship funds!
The topic for the 2023-2024 year is "Optimism: How It Connects Us.” Applications are due no later than Wednesday, January 3, 2024. The winners will be celebrated with a program dinner with club members on Wednesday, January 24.
Santa's Helpers
Each year, Optimist Club volunteers act as assistant to Santa as he visits the Christian Shelter and Halo Center in Salisbury, MD!
At each location, children currently in the shelter get their picture taken with Santa. They receive a copy of the photo and a frame they can decorate with holiday stickers. Each child also receives a goody bag from jolly old St. Nicholas.
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.
Respect for the Law
Each 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 invited to a celebratory dinner.
At this evening event, each officer is introduced by their superior, recognized for their individual achievement, and given a plaque honoring their commitment to their department and to the community.
Scholarships
In May of each year the Optimist Club awards a $1500 scholarship to one student from each of the Wicomico County and Delmar High Schools. This is five $1,500 scholarships total!
Applicants are reviewed based on grades, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Scholarship winners and their parents and counselors are invited to a celebratory dinner where they are introduced and receive their awards.
To submit your Optimist Club Scholarship application by the mid-March/April deadline, please contact your school's counselor.
Baseball and Softball Awards
Each year we distribute two $1,000 awards to a senior baseball and softball athlete. Applications are accepted from all Wicomico County and Delmar High Schools.
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Applicants are reviewed based on grades, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. Scholarship winners and their parents and counselors are invited to a celebratory dinner where they are introduced and receive their awards.
To submit your Optimist Club Scholarship application by the mid-March/April deadline, please contact your school's counselor.
Community Sponsored Programs
Fresh Start Back to School
The Optimist Club is a leading sponsor of the Fresh Start: Wicomico County Back to School Event providing students in need with resources to help them achieve success. More than a dozen organizations collaborate on this initiative, in an effort to reach thousands of children and invest in the future of the area’s youth.
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Features:
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Free: backpacks, essential school supplies, family activities & haircuts for children
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Information about: preparing for the upcoming school year, community resources & more
Wicomico County Youth Basketball
The Optimist Club is the leading sponsor of the Wicomico Youth Basketball League, a volunteer coach-led league that focuses on age-appropriate skill development, basic terminology and fundamentals of the game of basketball. All divisions are coed.
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Participants each receive a Optimist sponsored basketball jersey which they take home at the end of the season.
Girl's Softball
The Optimist Club sponsors the ponytail league of the Wicomico County Girls Softball program.
This recreational league teaches softball skills, player participation, team participation and sportsmanship. Girls of all skill levels and experience are invited to join in the tradition.