Did you know that each year more than 12,000 children and teenagers will be diagnosed with cancer? Did you also know that one in every 330 Americans develops cancer before the age of 20? Because of statistics such as these, Optimist Clubs are encouraged to participate in this program by building awareness of the disease, providing assistance for children and their families, and supporting research to find a cure.

The Lafayette Breakfast Optimist Club has donated over $11000 to the International campaign.

Topic: "How My Education is the Key to a Successful Future"

The Essay Contest is for students under 19 years of age as of December 31, 2010, who attend school in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. Students residing on U.S. military bases overseas are eligible to enter using their last U.S. home of record. All Club contests are held by early February 2011. Club contest winners progress to the District level.

Club prize:

Medallion

District prize:

Plaque and a $2,500 college scholarship

Topic: "If I Were Leader of the Free World, the First Issue I Would Address Would be ... "

The Oratorical Contest is for young people under the age of 19 as of December 31, 2010, who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. Contest entry ends by late March 2011. Each applicant is required to give a 4- to 5-minute speech. Winners progress to the next level.

Club prize:

Medallion

Zone prize:

Plaque

District prize:

Plaque and two $2,500 scholarships
or
Plaque and a first-place scholarship of $2,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,500, and a third-place scholarship of $1,000