Communication Contest for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (CCDHH)
Patterned after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the CCDHH provides an empowering platform for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to present their thoughts, develop public presentation confidence, and compete for a college scholarship. The Optimist Club of Milwaukee is proud to sponsor local youth as they share their voices through spoken or signed expression.
Official Topic
“How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me”
Participants prepare and deliver a 4-to-5-minute presentation addressing the theme, exploring how their everyday choices, leadership, and interactions uplift friends, family, and the wider community.
Scholarship Award
- District Scholarship: Top district winner receives a $2,500 college scholarship to support their post-secondary education.
Contest Guidelines & Eligibility
- Eligibility: Open to students through grade 12 who have a certified hearing loss of 40 decibels or more.
- Presentation Format: 4 to 5 minutes in length, delivered in the participant’s preferred mode of communication: sign language, spoken word, or a combination of both.
- Topic: Presentations must directly address the official annual topic.
- Contest Dates: Local competition dates, venue details, and registration deadlines will be posted once finalized.
How to Participate
Official entry forms, full contest rules, and submission deadlines will be available here soon.
