Welcome to the Optimist Club of Gulf Breeze, Florida
ORATORICAL CONTEST
Gulf Breeze Optimist Club has a rich tradition of sponsoring winners in both district, region and state Optimist Oratorical contests. In conjunction with The Optimist International Oratorical Contest, the local event gives students the opportunity to speak to the world on a specific topic and compete for more than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundation annually. For more information contact local coordinator douglasmhenriques@gmail.com
2026 Contest
The 2026 Northwest Region Optimist Oratorical Contest
Event Overview
On Saturday afternoon, April 11th, Optimist International hosted its Northwest Region Oratorical Contest at the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center. Fifteen students from across northwest Florida participated, competing for scholarship funds. Each student had previously won a school and local contest organized by their respective area Optimist Clubs. The contest featured contestants from elementary, middle, and high schools located in Tallassee, Wakula, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, and Pensacola Beach. Each participant delivered a 4 to 5-minute speech on the topic, “The Moment I Realized I Belong, My Definition of a Community.”
Judging and Winners
Contestants were evaluated based on content, poise, delivery, and overall effectiveness. Four local professionals served as judges for the event. Conley O'Meara earned 1st place with her creative speech highlighting the importance of the lunch table. Charlotte Zimmern secured 2nd place after presenting her heartfelt speech about navigating faith within youth communities. Basma Abdelbadeia took 3rd place with an engaging speech on the value of caring for others—and turtles. All three winners are students at Gulf Breeze Middle School.The students received guidance from GBMS English teacher Ms. Margaret Dasinger, with additional coaching from Lesley and Craig Mateer. The Mateers, owners of CIAO Seminars and History Happens, help students develop public speaking, social skills, interview techniques, and prepare for National History Day competitions.
History and Achievements
The Gulf Breeze Optimist Club has organized this oratorical contest for over 30 years. In the past 12 years, ten students from the contest have collectively won more than $30,000 in scholarship funds. Notable recent District winners from Gulf Breeze schools include Macy Mateer (2014), Max Mateer (2015), Liam Werner (2016), Katelyn Yarbrough (2017), Brianna Mitchell (2018), Margaret Messer (2019), Matteo Mauro (2020), Zach Helms (2021), Silas Bowles (2022), and Maya Barnes (2025). In 2020, Matteo Mauro advanced to the World Contest, earning $7,500 in scholarship funds. Saturday's public event offered a valuable experience to all who attended.
Participation and Scholarship Information
The Optimist International Oratorical Contest is open to students in grades 3-12, with entries submitted through local Optimist Clubs. Scholarship funds awarded can be used at the college of the recipient's choice. Those interested in participating should look for announcements in late summer or contact Doug Henriques (douglasmhenriques@gmail.com) for more information.
Gulf Breeze Optimist Club Meetings
The Gulf Breeze Optimist Club meets every Wednesday morning for breakfast at St. Ann's Catholic Church at 7:00 am. Additional information is available on their website or Facebook page at gulfbreezeoptimistclub.org.
