2024 Maryland South Delaware District Oratorical Contest Winners

On Saturday, April 20, 2024, nine students competed for the top three prizes in the 2024 Maryland South Delaware (MDSD) District Oratorical Contest in Ocean City, Maryland. The competition was fierce. 

This year’s winners were: First place winner Christopher Hanson won a $2,500 college scholarship and will advance to the world competition in St. Louis. Christopher was representing the Fort Smallwood Optimist Club. Second place winner Dhruv Veda won a $1,500 college scholarship and was representing the Frederick Optimist Club. BellaGrace Annibal, the third place winner who was representing the Cherry Hill Optimist Club, received a $1,000 college scholarship.

In the top photo, (l-r) are MDSD Oratorical Chair David Bowman, first place winner Christopher Hanson, third place winner BellaGrace Annibal, second place winner Dhruv Veda, and MDSD Governor Colleen Combs. Photo credit: Robin Myers, Mechanicsville Optimist Club and Editor, MDSD District Newsletter. In the second photo, all nine contestants pose for a picture after the winners have been announced. Photo credit: Carol Applegate, Greater Jacksonville Optimist Club President and MDSD Zone 5 Lt. Governor. 

Solomons Optimist Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The Optimist Club of Solomons celebrated their 50th Anniversary at the Calvert Marine Museum on Saturday, February 3, 2024.  There were approximately 80 attendees - members, past members, friends and guests at the event.  Highlights of the evening included Commissioner Mike Hart presenting President Candace Milcarzyk with a Proclamation from the Calvert County Commissioners recognizing their service to the community (first picture below) and Lifetime Members Allen Fissel, Arnold Humphreys and Peter Siegert receiving plaques from President Candace (middle picture below). Entertainment for the evening was provided by the GrooveSpan Trio and the 7th District Optimist Club of Bushwood,  Maryland catered the buffet dinner.