Traverse City East Junior High School students participated in the Optimist International Oratorical Contests held at the Elks Club on March 12^th (girls competition) and March 19^th (boys competition) and claimed the top three places in both contests.  Each contestant spoke on the topic:    “My Biggest Challenge is…”

The top three place winners for the girls:                  The top three place winners for the boys:

            First Place:   Audrey Lyman                                   First Place:   John Arnold

            Second Place:   Sarah West                                  Second Place:            Spencer Thompson

            Third Place:   Lydia Belanger                                 Third Place:   Jason McColl

Also participating in the contest:                           Also participating in the contest:

            Jamie Endicott                                                      Jon Smoyer

            Maria Frick                                                         Kirk Rasmussen     

            Meagan Vermetten                                             Jack Raymond

As First Place winners, Audrey Lyman and John Arnold are now eligible to compete at the regional competition to be held April 14, 2007 in Alpena. The winner of the regionals will win a $1,500 scholarship.

Traverse City Area Public Schools is grateful to our local Optimist Club for the opportunity for our students to participate in this real-world experience. Please contact Carol Roehrich at 933-7356 for more information.