Thomas P. Nerney, a junior at St. Pius X High School and member of the debate team, was recently awarded a $500 scholarship for winning first runner-up in the national finals of the International Optimist club oratorical contest at Denver, Colorado.

Thirty-eight finalists from the United States and Canada competed in the week-long Denver event. Their topic was Optimism: Formula for Freedom.

Previous to his success at Denver, Thomas had won in competition at St. Pius X High School; in the North Fulton Optimist Club, Zone 9, Atlanta; and in District 21, Georgia, held at Ida Cason Callaway Gardens.

Thomas placed first in the Southern Region, representing the states of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

The young orator is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis X. Nerney. He is a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.