Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - Words of wisdom from a young mind helped propel a Middlesex Centre teen to the winners circle in oratorical competition sponsored by the Optimist Club.
Odie Bartlett from the Birr area earned a $2,500 scholarship as the winner of the Midwestern Ontario District competition.
“This year’s speech topic asked the contestants to talk about how optimism has helped you through challenging times. So, I wrote my speech about optimism being the voice inside that we should all listen to when feeling sad, worried, or fearful. For me, I feel like optimism is always there, deep inside, singing a love song to help me through my fears, my worries, and my doubts,” says Odie.
14-Year-old Odie is going into grade 10 at Saint Andre Bessette Secondary School in London. He practiced his speech almost every day leading up to the different levels of competition to help with memorization and making the words sound “natural”.
Odie had a lot of support along the way from family members including his parents, Don and Bev and his younger sister Gina. “Sometimes, Gina would set up her dolls and stuffies as an audience and other times she would offer treats to our dogs so they would sit and listen as well. She said this was a good idea because it would help prepare me for a larger audience,” says Odie.
Public speaking often brings on the jitters for many people. But Odie had that covered. “During the contests I was nervous while waiting for my turn to speak, but once I got started with my speech my nervousness always faded away. I really enjoyed hearing the other speakers because they had so many informative and interesting ideas. I learned so much listening to them speak. This is a great contest and learning opportunity for students,” says Odie.
Throughout the journey, Odie’s proud parents provided support. “I think I get more nervous and excited watching Odie speak than anyone else. We are so proud of him for all the hard work Odie puts into writing and practicing his speech. Then, completely over the moon about how well he presents his speech and brings it to life while presenting it in front of an audience,” says Odie’s mom Bev.
Elizabeth Campbell with the Bryanson-Birr Optimist Club says Odie embodies the qualities that the Club stands for. “He’s trying his best to be positive, and his whole family is like that.”
Away from public speaking, Odie lists playing the cello and kayaking among his favorite activities. “My message is that optimism offers everyone encouragement and hope. Optimism is always deep inside of us and if we listen with all our hearts, we can hear it singing it’s love song to us so that our lives can be the love songs they were intended to be,” says Odie.
