Posted Wednesday, May 24, 2006, The OG, student awards

Sophomore Ethan Berl is officially one of the best young orators in Illinois.

Berl was co-winner of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest's statewide Illinois District championship in Bloomington on May 13. (District is the competition's final level.)

This year's topic was “My Future is Bright Because ….” Speeches had to be presented in front of judges by memory, though notes were allowed. Contestants advanced through the club, zone, and regional level of the competition before reaching district.

The district contest was divided by gender, featuring three boys and three girls. One winner was chosen out of each of the two groups. Both co-winners will receive a $1,500 college scholarship and are ineligible to compete again in following years.

The Optimist International is an organization consisting of volunteers in 81 districts worldwide, with 3,200 individual clubs. Members strive to create positive service projects to bring out the best in the world's youth.

— Linda Song