For some, public speaking can be the No. 1 fear in life. But an opportunity for students to master the skill has been part of the agenda of Optimist International, which nurtures speaking talent through annual competitions, since 1928. Two Yuma students qualified for the state level contest among the 2000 Optimist Clubs who field oratory competitors, Veronica Shea, Optimist Club of Yuma president, said. "We empower youth in the community to be the best they can be and we offer many scholarships and do community events." Tyler Adler and Megan Lyons each placed first in the male and female division, respectively, and advanced to the competition just held in Tucson. "I have no doubt Tyler and Megan have a bright future in front of them," Shea said. She added, judging of the topic theme, "for me, optimism is ..." was difficult. Contestants were scored on keeping to the five minute time restriction, staying on topic, memorization, identification, quote attribution and overall performance. Hesitant to participate at first, Tyler Adler admitted he was pressured to enter the contest by his friend Kani Rqvist a fellow member of Toastmasters. Tyler says Toastmasters, a public speaking organization is an 8-week program to help people with speaking problems or for those who just want to improve their speaking finesse. "I know I'm a good speaker and I thought this is something I could do. But it was Kani's older brother Sonny, who was my mentor and I have him to thank." Allison Adler, Tyler's mother said his qualifying for the Tucson competition was a huge honor. "Toastmasters helps him organize his thoughts and it helped him prepare for Optimists," she said. Competing at the state level, Tyler and Megan were both eligible for the $1,500 college scholarships awarded to the top male and female speakers. Despite not winning they were glad for the chance to compete, they said. "Even though the judges picked someone else, they saw someone who had something I didn't have yet we still became friends," Tyler said. He added his take on the contest theme, optimism, means being able to see humor in the face of disaster. Tyler, who is home schooled, is taking curriculum provided by Bob Jones University, Greenville, S.C. Once Tyler graduates he says he will enlist in the U.S. Marines Corps to study combat engineering. "The contest was a great experience but I'd like to see a lot more contestants," Tyler said. "Public speaking is an important skill you can use your whole life." Dale Lyons, Megan's father, said all the students from the different Optimist chapters were outstanding. He added, he was obviously proud of Megan when she took first place at the club level. "It was my first experience with the Optimist Club. I was impressed with what they stood for and what they're all about." Megan, 10, who will be in sixth grade at Woodard Jr. High School in the fall, said she thought she accomplished a lot in Tucson even though she did not win. "I felt really nervous when I saw the high schoolers but I knew I could compete against them and I definitely want to try again next year." She added that everybody should practice public speaking so they will know how to talk in front of a large audience.