Deaf and hard of hearing elementary school students from Camelot Elementary School competed in a speech contest sponsored by the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna at a regular membership meeting on Jan. 18 at the Marco Polo Restaurant in Vienna. Four students in the fourth and fifth grades addressed the topic: "How my Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles"
Students begin their research in the fall as part of the school curriculum and practice sessions held in preparation for the contest. The contest itself involves speaking in front of a large group of adults.
Following the local competition, the winner, Bianca Calderon of McLean will compete for a $2500 scholarship in Charlottesville on Feb. 25. All of the contestants received a medal in recognition of their efforts. The Optimists, who have partnered with the Camelot School for about 20 years, presented a donation to Craig Geller, the Principal of the school.