Preisha Agarwal, a 12-year-old student from Monmouth Junction, has been announced as the first place winner of the Sunrise Optimist Club of Freeholds 2018 Oratorical Contest. Agarwal was handpicked by a select group of judges with her extraordinary presentation entitled Where Are My Roots of Optimism, talking about optimism being passed down from generation to generation in ones family.

The piece included statements about the importance of optimism in society and in one owns life, whether when spending time with friends and family, or during activities, which necessitate having a positive mindset.

As winner of the Oratorical Contests county-wide competition, Agarwal wins $500 in scholarships, and now gets the opportunity to compete in the District level competition next, in Reading, Pennsylvania, on May 5, with the chance to win $2,500.

This years runner-up, Samuel Shapiro, was the first-place winner during last years Oratorical Contest for his presentation, What The World Gains From Optimism.

Says Shari Scaramuzzo, President of the Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold, The Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold is proud to host the Oratorical contest, which gives students a chance to share their experience with Optimism. It is an amazing opportunity for us, as members, to witness the talent of the students in our communities.

Special thanks goes to CentraState Medical Center for its donation of Conference Room C, which acted as the host of this years Oratorical Contest.

For more information on the Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold, visit www.freeholdsunriseoptimists.com.

The Sunrise Optimist Club of Freehold has been participating in the Optimist Oratorical Contest for many years and has been active in the community since 1985. The Club participates in and supports many community youth programs and services.