Programs and Events
Supported Partner Organizations
Annual Programs
Oratorical Contest
The Optimist International (OI) Club Oratorical Contest is the largest oratorical contest in the U.S.
Started in 1928 and longest running program in OI, more than 2,000 clubs participate with more than $150,000 funded by OI and at least double that by the clubs themselves.
Winners at the Club level receive medallions plus a cash award. Zone winners receive a plaque and certificate. Districts have the opportunity to provide two $2,500 scholarships or a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.
Regional and World Contest Scholarships are awarded to each Regional winner in United States in the amount of at least $5000.In addition, scholarships in the amounts of $15,000, $10,000, $5,000 will be given to the first, second, and third place World Champions, respectively.
The Zionsville Optimist Club Oratorical Contest is usually held in March and winners advance to the Zone Level.
3rd Grade History Program
The Zionsville 3rd grade history lessons are taught by a cadre of volunteer parents and grandparents. Each volunteer attends a monthly training and spends 45 minutes in class each month with hands on lessons about Zionsville history. Real artifacts from the Sullivan Munce Cultural Center collection supplement the history lessons.
The year-long study culminates with a walking tour of downtown Zionsville and visit to Sullivan Munce. Each student receives a lanyard with laminated history cards so they can become tour guides for their own family members as well. The Zionsville Optimist Club has supported this program financially and with volunteers for several years.
The Zionsville Optimist Club (ZOC) held our 39th annual 2021 HIT-THE-BRICKS 5K Run/Walk & Youth 3K” on Saturday, October 9 as usual at Zionsville Community High School. HIT-THE-BRICKS (HTB) is truly a tradition in Zionsville and the Optimist Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Next year the 40th annual HIT-THE-BRICKS is scheduled for Saturday, October 1, 2022.
In 2021 we had two important updates.
ZIONSVILLE PARKS & RECREATION PARTNERSHIP
We dedicated funds to sponsor a Bicycle and Water Station near the soon to be completed Overley Worman Park main entrance for all to use. The water station will serve all including pets and is ADA compliant, a bicycle repair station for quick fixes and (4) bicycle racks. We can’t say enough about this new park design and all it will offer local residents from surrounding communities.
DEDICATED 3K YOUTH RUN
With the growing popularity of running in the under 14 age group, the Zionsville Optimist Club coordinated with local middle school coaches and staff to dedicate a 3K route for under age 14 only, who were timed and received separate recognition from the 5K.
Both courses started at south side of Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) and runs the Rail Trail, downtown through the Village on Main Street and back to the ZCHS for the Finish. The section on Zionsville’s cobblestone Main Street derived our “Hit-the-Bricks” title of the first event in 1981. At HIT-THE- BRICKS, there are always serious contenders as well as casual runners & walkers out on a beautiful autumn morning. There is huge number of youth in our crowd from all ages, elementary through college.
Elizabeth and Joe Demaree, local residents and owner of The Scoop ice cream parlor, and last year’s largest sponsor says “I just love the Optimist Club. My support was direct from the heart as they do so much for our local youth. The ZOC programs are many, always with focus and support to our local youth”.
Prizes are given to the overall 1st-3rd place finishers in the 5K as well as first place in several age categories in that event. In addition, recognition and shirts were given to under age 14 youth who participated in the 3K Youth Run. Once again if it’s the first Saturday in October in Zionsville, it is Hit the Bricks time…See you there 10-01-2022!