Optimist Clubs to host annual essay contest

Optimist International Essay Contest

Back to school sales are on and families are planning their last camping trips for the summer all in time for the kiddos to hit the books at the end of this month. That means that Optimist Clubs should be planning to host the Annual Optimist International Essay Contest in their community.

This year the topic is "How My Positive Outlook Benefits My Community." Students under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2011 may compete for a $2,500 scholarship by writing 700 to 800 words on the assigned topic and submitting their entry to the local Optimist Club. Download the complete rules here.

The contest begins at the club level. First place entries from all clubs are forwarded to the District where the club operates to be judged for the $2,500 scholarship award. District winners are then forwarded to the international level where the top essay writer is recognized in The Optimist magazine.

Optimist International believes strongly in the development of communication skills. In addition to the essay contest, Optimist Clubs also host an Oratorical Contest and Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the spring of the school year. The topic for 2012 will be posted when information is made available at www.Optimist.org.

All Optimist Club activities begin at the club level. Click here to find an Optimist Club near you.