Strongsville Student Gets 3rd In World Oratory Championship

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Strongsville High senior Dylan Hyun recently took third place in the Optimist International Oratorical World Championship. His accomplishment earned him a $12,500 scholarship.

The competition, held at St. Louis University, featured students from around the world. Competitors delivered four to five minutes speeches “Is There a Fine Line Between Optimism and Reality?” The participants were graded on their poise, delivery and content.

“The competitors in our Oratorical World Championships are developing skills that will serve them well as leaders in business, politics, the arts and numerous other fields,” said Optimist International President Rebecca Butler Mona. “These young people exhibit the hope and positive vision that lies at the core of our mission as Optimists, and that’s why this program has endured for more than 90 years.”

Hyun was one of more than 25,000 teenagers who competed in local and district oratorical challenges. He progressed through the competitions and took on students from Russia, Pakistan and North America. He was one of only 60 or so students to qualify for the World Championship, held in late July.