Optimist Club – By Sharon N Simon
Optimist Club John Presents
The Optimist Club of St John’s gathered on Saturday to witness a tradition that has anchored the organization’s commitment to youth since 1928. Ten young orators took to the podium to navigate the complexities of identity and connection, speaking on the theme: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged—My Definition of Community.”
The event, hosted by Master of Ceremony and Past President Jason Gilead, transformed a local competition into a profound exploration of what it means to find one’s place in the world.
The program opened with the resonance of the National Anthem, performed by pannist Calique Thomas, setting a tone of national pride that carried through the morning’s proceedings.
Between the recitations of the Optimist Creed—a promise to be “too large for worry, too noble for anger”—the participants delivered speeches that balanced personal vulnerability with oratorical precision. This contest remains the second most popular program within Optimist International, a global initiative that sees nearly 2,000 clubs participate annually in a mission to foster confidence and eloquence in the next generation.
As the deliberations concluded, the “winners’ circle” emerged, dominated by the scholars of St Joseph’s Academy. Xion Joseph in first-place, earned the top medallion and a cash prize for a performance that captured the essence of communal belonging. He was followed closely by his schoolmate, William Christian, in second place, and Kiara Kwenga of Christ the King High School, who secured the bronze. While all ten participants were recognized for their contributions to the dialogue, the top three received the traditional rewards of the club level, signifying their mastery of the craft.
The journey for the top spot, however, extends beyond the shores of Antigua. As the first-place winner, Xion Joseph now carries the mantle of his community to the regional stage. On April 11th, he will travel to Kingston, Jamaica, to represent Antigua & Barbuda in the District Competition. It is a transition from local reflection to international representation, proving that while the definition of community begins at home, its voice has the power to carry across the Caribbean.
