The Fayetteville Optimist Club recently sponsored its annual Oratorical Contest and the five finalists attended the group's regular meeting.

The winners each received a medallion and will go on to the next level of competition in Newnan next month. There is another level after that, and then on to the state competition in Augusta in May. The state level winner in the boy's class and in the girl's class will each receive a $1,500 scholarship.

The first place winner in the boy's class was Philip Aftuck, who attends The Busey School of Woodward Academy; the girl's class was won by Elmira Laghaie, who attends Kendrick Middle School.

The 4-5 minute speeches had to be centered around the theme "Optimism In My Life."

The first runner-up in the boy's class was Mike Turner, St. John The Evangelist Catholic School; the first runner-up in the girl's class was Reneé Cassady, who attends Evangel Temple Christian Academy; the second runner-up was Emily Roberson, St. John's; and also participating was Brennen Linton, St. John's.

Judges for the local contest were Debbie Wheat, principal of Oak Grove Elementary School; Reneé Grimes, children's librarian at the Fayette County Public Library; and W. A. Ballard, clerk of Superior Court, Fayette County.

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