The Platteville Optimist Club held an Oratorical Contest at its normally scheduled meeting at the Take 2 Restaurant at 7:00 a.m. on March 12, 2010. The contest was co-sponsored by the Platteville Area Optimist Club.

The contestants were Saafia Masoom, Angela Drefcinski and Sumaia Masoom. The topic was "Cybercommunication - Progress or Problem?" Each speaker had her own take on this. One ended with “the Internet is progress, progress, progress.” Another spoke about the good things from sharing photos with family, but lamented, “Do we need to tell everyone?” Another thought of the Internet as the “Town Square of tomorrow.”

It is very refreshing to hear the point of view of the three students. They see the good in hearing about the real situation in Iran or donating money to Haiti. They see the bad in cyberbullying or texting while driving.

Thank you to all three of you for your speeches. Your effort really showed.

We want to give a big "Thank You" to our Judges: Carolyn Schuler, Tiffany Hess and Ginny Berg. Thanks to Holly Cook for coordinating the event and to Emily Doan of the Platteville Area Optimist Club for her help.

Unfortunately, only two can advance to the Zone contest. In a very close contest, sisters Saafia and Sumaia Masoom will represent the two clubs. Lt. Governor Grace Policastro is coordinating the Zone contest at the Mound City Bank Motor Branch on April 17, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.