The Arlington Optimist Club recently presented $3,500 in scholarship funds to top finishers in its annual oratorical competition.
A total of 55 contestants expressed interest, with 15 selected to take part in the competition. It was coordinated by Leah McFarland, an English/journalism teacher at Arlington Tech, and had the theme “How to Change the World with Optimism.”
Giulia Galva took first place in the Arlington competition, then placed second in a contest featuring winners from Optimist Clubs throughout Virginia and the District of Columbia.
In the local competition, Lary Reyes took second place, Akshay Kuchibhatla third, Gabriel Barragan fourth and Yara Shomali fifth.