Essay Contest

High school students from all over North America write short essays on the topic of freedom which are judged at regional competitions. More than $44,000 in scholarships are awarded every year.

The Essay Contest was first sponsored in 1983. Each Optimist district conducts competitions beginning at the club level for youth under the age of 19. Club winners advance to the district contest where the winner receives a $650 college scholarship. The district winner automatically advances to the International level with the chance to win a scholarship of 1st place-$6,000, 2nd place-$3,750 or 3rd place-$2,250.

Now is the time to get started. Begin making your contact as soon as possible so we can BRING OUT THE BEST IN KIDS.

Getting Started

The Optimist International Program Guide was mailed to the President-Designate listed on your Club Officer Elect Report.
The OI website has information available at www.optimist.org and application forms and posters are available from Shumpsky at www.optimiststuff.com.

The program district planning guide, club planning guide and website contain information on Eligibility, Topic, Length, Prizes, Deadlines, Criteria for Judges, Judging the Essays, Getting the Contest Started in your Community, Official Rules, Rules for Conducting the Contest, and an Application.

Additional information to help you with the contest is listed below.
Project Job Responsibilities
Project Job Responsibilities by Position
Project Timeline
Follow-up letter to parents
Project Evaluation
    Press Releases
News Release before event
News Release after event
Sample Judges Thank You Letter

Scheduling

The District Contest entries must be submitted to the Committee by February 28, 2009. Therefore your club deadline needs to allow time for the three judges to complete their work and return the results to the Club Committee Chair.