



June 20, 2019
ST. LOUIS — In the 2019 Optimist Oratorical World Championships at the Saint Louis Center for Global Citizenship, Alyse Saucedo was crowned Oratorical World Champion representing California South District. On the stage where Martin Luther King spoke shortly before he won the Nobel Peace Prize, Alyse received a scholarship for $15,000. Saucedo, sponsored by the Allied Gardens Club, attends the Academy of Our Lady of Peace in the San Diego Community of University Heights.
Along with Alyse, second place, and a $10,000 scholarship went to Michael Morgan of Louisville, Kentucky, and
the third speaker receiving a $5,000 scholarship was Dylan Hyun of Cleveland, Ohio.
2019 International President Rebecca Butler-Mona acted as the official host of the event. “The caliber of talent in this year’s Oratorical World Championship was the best we’ve seen so far, and I thought Alyse was truly outstanding. Her content and illustrations were extraordinary and she was extremely poised—I was very surprised when she told me she is only 15. She’s also interested in Junior Optimists and I shared that tonight with JOI President Cole Mullins, also from the CalSouth District, and the JOI Board of Directors. Hope they can get her involved!”
Dave Bruns, Author of Bringing Out the Best
According to Dave Bruns, Past International President and author of Bringing Out the Best, The First Century of Optimist International, “The quality of all of the speeches this year was exceptionally high. Truly, this was a “Tournament of Champions” and it should give us great hope for the future!”
In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke at Saint Louis University, at the location that now houses the Center for Global Citizenship. Days later, he became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
On Friday, July 19, Alyse Saucedo (second from right) won the West Coast Regional to advance to the finals.
Alyse Saucedo and Dave Bruns
Here’s a reminder from Dave Dickson: I am taking reservations for our quarterly dinner at Marie Callender’s [I-8 and 70th St] on Monday evening July 22 at 6:30 pm (no host cocktails at 6:00). All Club members, spouses, significant others, and potential new Club members are invited to attend. The meal choices are Heartland Chicken Pot Pie, Braised & Slow Roasted Pot Roast or Honey Ginger Glazed Salmon [the Salad Bar is a 4th option] for $24.69 per person (which includes tax and tip). You will individually pay the server for your meal. The meal includes Caesar Salad, Cornbread!!!, Fountain Drinks or Tea or Coffee PLUS a choice of Apple or Chocolate Cream or Lemon Meringue Pie. We need a minimum of 15 attendees to make this go. Please email (preferred) or call me at 619-464-4499 with your reservation and entree choice no later than 5 pm on Thursday, July 18th. [NOTE: No shows will be invoiced for the meal!]AlliedGardenDave 19 July 15, 2019a
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