optimist essay contest 2021 winners

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2021 Essay Winners

May 12, 2021 @ 7:00 am - 8:30 am cdt.

Join us as we welcome the winners from the 2021 Optimist Club Essay contest!

Privacy Overview

Oratorical, essay contest winners honored for 2021-22

Top: Optimist Club of Brookings member Dee Bormann presents Tyler Livermont with his award as the winning participant in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for the 2021-2022 school year, “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times.” The speeches are judged on content and presentation. Winners of the regional contests will compete in the World Championship, held at Saint Louis University. Students could possibly win up to $22,500 in scholarships.

Bottom: Optimist Club of Brookings member Janet Brubakken presents Nana Yaa Dwanmah and Sinan Briddick with their awards as the winning participants in the Optimist International Essay Contest for the 2021-2022 school year, “How Does an Optimistic Mindset Change My Tomorrow?” The top three students will receive cash prizes and medals, and the winning essay will be sent to the district level, where a college scholarship of $2,500 is awarded to the top winner.

The Optimist Club of Brookings has been participating in the Optimist Essay and Oratorical Contests for many years and has been active in the community since 1972. Other programs and service projects that the club is involved in include the Trout Extravaganza, Avenue of Flags and the Kite Festival.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with over 80,000 adult and youth members in almost 3,000 clubs throughout the world.

Carrying the motto “Bringing out the best in youth, in our communities, and in ourselves,” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than 6 million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, call 314-371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org.

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Essay Contest Winners Read Their Essays

Erin dickerson’s prayer.

Today’s prayer is a combination of Irish blessings and prayers in honor of St. Patrick’s Day

May God give you…for every storm, a rainbow; for every tear, a smile; for every care, a promise; and a blessing in each trial.  For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share.  For every sigh, a sweet song, and an answer to a prayer.  May the dreams you hold dearest be those which come true and the kindness you spread keep returning to you.  May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the salvation, O Lord, be always ours, this day and forevermore, Amen.

Announcements

Debe Dockins announced that CNO members donated over 200 pairs of socks for Shoes for the Shoeless. They were collected when the member appreciation lunches were distributed at Yankee Trace Golf Club last Friday. Thanks to all those who donated socks.

Tom Novak, Avenue of Flags committee, said, “The AOF Optimist Subscription Renewal Team has already received 68% renewals of last year’s total which is ‘normal’ for our ‘Early Bird’ phase. Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the Team.  They continue to receive renewal subscriptions.”

Committee Meetings

• 3/24/2021, 6 PM, Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf 2021, Zoom hosted by Mike Bevis. Meetings in 2021 will be on Wednesdays on 1/13, 2/17, 3/24, 4/14, 5/12, 6/16, 7/7. Additional volunteers are always welcome. The golf outing will be held on 7/12/2021.
• 4/20/2021, 6 PM, Monthly Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom hosted by President Debe Dockins

Community Events

Greg Griffin announced that the Easter Egg Drive through will be held on April 3 rd , 2021 from 10-11 AM at Oak Grove Park.

Happy Birthday Brian Nolan

Today was Brian Nolan’s Birthday and he was on today’s meeting! Tom Novak led our choir. Tom told the essay contestants that their essays were great and very memorable. Tom warned them that the version of “Happy Birthday” they were about to hear will also be very memorable (and bad).

In response to the singing Brian said, “I had to reach for my air sickness bag!”

Brian and Bob, have a great birthday and a great year!

2021 Essay Contest

Kristen Marks is the chair of the 2021 Essay Contest. Her opening remarks follow:

The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective and helps in developing their skills in written expression. This year’s theme for the 2020-21 contest was “Reaching your Dreams by Choosing Optimism.”

I was enthusiastic about this theme as I reflect on the past year both personally and professionally, and it was wonderful to read about this theme from the perspective of so many youth.

I want to thank this year’s judges, Liz Fultz, Debe Dockins, Evelyn Griffin, and Andy Higgins.

I also want to thank former Essay Contest Chair, Kelly George for her leadership on this committee in the past, and for her guidance in my first year. I had lots of questions and she was very helpful.

This year, we had 17 entries for the local contest. The first-place winner of the local contest moves on to the District competition.

Today, I am happy to say that you all will get to hear the top three writers read their essays! The first, second, and third place winners of the contest have joined us today, as well as some of their special guests, or if they could not attend, they have recorded themselves reading their essay. Greg Griffin, I appreciate your help getting this all ready to go!

First, we will hear from our 3rd place winner, Giovanna.

Next, we will hear from our 2nd place winner, Leah.

And lastly, we will hear from this year’s local contest winner, Meenakshi.

Thank you once again to these young writers and your guests. I hope you continue to express yourself through writing and or speaking and we wish you a wonderful 2021!

Video of the Essay Readings

The winners are listed next with very brief excerpts of the speeches. Watch the video to hear their entire essays. You can watch the essay readings here.

Giovanna, 3 rd Place

Giovanna is a Senior at Centerville High School who plans to major in speech therapy in college.

She titled her essay, “The Harp Perspective.” She has been playing the harp for 10 years.

The harp is her passion and an extension of her hands. Practicing can be demanding. Understanding optimism and the role it has in success is important in becoming great at something.

She came up with words for H.A.R.P – Happiness, Ambition, Responsibility and Passion.

Leah, 2 nd Place

Leah is a Freshman at Centerville High School.

She titled her essay, “Reaching Your Dreams by Choosing Optimism.”

To overcome a negative outlook, the key is to infuse optimism into your life. Optimism and the willingness to look forward will help you move on and will help you achieve your dreams.

Meenakshi, 1 st Place

Meenakshi is a Freshman at Centerville High School.

Life is constant decisions. The most important decision is choosing between optimism and pessimism. Choosing optimism is the first step to achieving your dreams.

Dreams fuel your mind like food fuels your body. Pessimism is like a virus. Imagine you are an inspiring computer engineer that does not have the required math skills to be a computer engineer.  An optimist will continue to learn and add the math skills they need in order to become a computer engineer.

Following your passion will allow you to live a better life.

Thank you to all the participants in the 2021 Centerville Noon Optimist Essay contest.

Thank you, Kristen Marks, for chairing the Essay Contest Committee. All three essays we heard today were excellent.

New Member Readings and Inductions

None this week.

Welcome Guests!

Happy bucks, membership anniversaries, cno donations – 2013 through january 2021.

Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013

Thank You Notes Received

Click here to see the Thank You Notes our Club received this week.

Sergeants at Arms

No Sergeants this week.

Zoom Meeting This Week

We had another meeting using Zoom. We will continue our weekly meetings via computer, cell phone or tablet for at least the next several weeks. Please join us and keep inviting guests.

Who can Attend Zoom Meetings?

Any member of any type of Centerville Noon Optimist can attend Zoom meetings. CNO 2.0, St Leonard’s and CNO full members or CNO monthly members can ALL attend.

Guests are also welcome. Please invite guests and introduce them if you like. Just share the Zoom link with them for that week.

COVID-19 UPDATE

In keeping with social distancing requirements – our CNO Meetings have transitioned temporarily to a online format using ZOOM.

Club Member Joe Madden was inspired to rewrite  The Optimist Creed  – so we give you now –  The Corona Creed  -with apologies to Christian D. Larson, Author of The Optimist Creed.

Links to Recorded Meeting and PowerPoint

A Video Recording of this Week’s Meeting is here

A Podcast of this Week’s Meeting is here

A Copy of this Week’s Meeting PowerPoint Slide Deck is here

Inspire student wins 2021 Optimist Essay Contest

April 30, 2021, by sandii buckman.

The creative work of Inspire students and alumni never ceases to amaze us, which is why we are always proud to share the good news when the hard work of our students is celebrated and awarded. Maya Klein, Inspire sophomore and Art/Humanities major, has made her mark in local writing this month, winning 1st Place in the 2021 Optimist Essay Contest sponsored by the Oroville and Chico Optimists Clubs. In addition, Maya’s winning essay was forwarded to compete in the next level: The Optimist International Pacific Central District Essay Contest , and was again awarded 1st place!

[button link=”https://www.inspirechico.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Optimism-.pdf” color=”purple” newwindow=”yes”] Read Maya’s Essay Here[/button]

We sat down with Maya to talk about her essay and her Inspire journey. Here’s the scoop…

Q: What, and or who inspired you to write this essay?

A: My mom has always encouraged my writing as much as possible. She’s an incredible teacher and is always sharing writing opportunities like this with me. Her constant optimism was also a huge influence for this essay prompt!

Q: What was it like submitting your work to a competition like this? How did it help you grow as a writer?

A: This competition really helped me realize how attainable these writing opportunities are. I’m glad I can use my hobby of writing in broader experiences to reach more people.

Q: How has your relationship to optimism evolved through this experience?

A: I went into this essay with lots of pessimism regarding the pandemic, the current political climate, etc. It was very intriguing to find the silver linings through my writing and come away from the essay with a more positive and compassionate outlook on the future, and how to proceed with and find hope in social issues/justice.

Q: What’s your dream for life after high school? How has Inspire prepared you for that dream?

A: Inspire has really helped me develop my creative personality. The hands-on curriculum and art classes I’ve taken have greatly supported my dream of an artistic career after high school and have helped me realize how achievable those goals are! I’m also majoring in Art and Humanities, which have pushed me towards shaping my goals of what I want to do in college and future professions.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you have for young writers interested in sharing their work with the world?

A: Look for as many opportunities as you can to share your work! It’s easy to forget that there are so many programs and people who want to hear what you have to say through your creativity.

____________

If you are interested in creative learning, Inspire may be the right school for you. Join Maya and our diverse student body by enrolling at our award-winning institution.

[button link=”https://www.inspirechico.org/enrollment/” type=”big” color=”purple”] Enroll Today! [/button]

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Optimist Club announces winners of ‘Essay Contest’

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The Del Mar-Solana Beach Optimist Club conducted its annual “Essay Contest” based on a theme of “How Does an Optimistic Mindset Change My Tomorrow?” which represents the organization’s theme for 2021-2022.

A panel of three judges evaluated the local students’ essays using strict Optimist International rules to determine the winners. First, second, and third place winners will receive cash prizes, medallions, and certificates for their accomplishments.

First place went to Roha Rupareliya, a student at Pacific Trails Middle School. Roha will be awarded a check for $250, gold medallion, and certificate. Roha’s essay advanced to the district contest for a chance at even greater prizes including a college scholarship.

Second place went to Sachin Wijay, a student at Torrey Pines High School. Sachin will be awarded a check for $150, silver medallion, and certificate.

Third place went to Riya Sharma, a student at Farmington High School. Riya will be awarded a check for $100, bronze medallion, and certificate.

“These students all did a wonderful job of articulating this year’s theme among some tough competition. They expressed themselves well through the essay and deserve the honors they received,” Club Vice-President Don LaVigne said.

The Optimist Club of Del Mar – Solana Beach, CA has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for many years and has been active in the community since 1981. Other programs and service projects that the club is involved in include the Optimist Oratorical Contest, Miracle League of San Diego, Junior Optimist Clubs, Scouts, Children’s Challenge Awards, Casa de Amistad, Ronald McDonald House, Rady Children’s Hospital, Community Resource Center, and high school scholarship programs.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with over 80,000 adult and youth members in almost 3,000 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico and throughout the world. Carrying the motto “Bringing Out the Best in Youth, in our Communities, and in Ourselves,” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, call (314) 371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org.

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Optimist Essay Contest

2021 Essay Contest

BOOK NOW – Michigan District Q3 Conference May 3-4

Friend of Youth

Essay Contest

The contest is divided into two levels of competition:

1. The preliminary Club contest, where the winner from each local contest advances to the District level, and

Could You Use a $2500 Scholarship?

Topic for the 2023-24 school year is: “Optimism: How it Connects Us”

Eligibility: Open to all students under the age of 19 as of Oct 1, 2023 (and not enrolled as a degree-seeking student of a post-secondary institution)

Residence: Student must reside in the State of Michigan – Lower Peninsula

Language: The essay must be written in English

How to Enter: Students write and submit an essay on their interpretation of this year’s official topic, “Optimism: How it Connects Us”.

This scholarship contest is comprised of 2 levels: A preliminary round, which is conducted by local Optimist clubs across the state (entry deadline is generally Jan 31, 2024). The winner from each local club advances to the District level, where scholarships are awarded annually in May. The overall winner receives a $2,500 scholarship, Second Place earns $1,500 and Third Place earns $1,000.

A list of participating clubs will be posted in early December. Students: submit your essay packet to the one in your community. If there is not an Optimist Club where you live, submit your essay packet to the one nearest to you. Duplicate entries will not be accepted and are grounds for disqualification.

Most Clubs only accept submissions during the months of December and January. It is your responsibility to verify the deadline with the respective chairperson. Student submissions will not be accepted after the Club-level contests have closed.

Optimist Clubs or parents wanting more information can use the form below or please e-mail the Michigan District Essay Chair at [email protected] .

Club-Level Winner’s Submission Deadline: The deadline for Clubs to submit their winning essay to the District Chair is February 28, 2024. Please refer to your Club Packet or contact the District Chair for more information.

Application for 2023-2024 Optimist International Essay Contest

2023 – 2024 local clubs participating in essay contest, no entries match your request..

2022-23 Essay Contest Winner

1st place, and a $2,500 scholarship:Brooke Lewis, age 16 from Zealand High SchoolHolland Optimist Club   "Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings Out the Optimism in You?" Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Good leaders inspire people to have confidence in their leader....

Michigan District Optimists proudly announces the results of the 2021-22 Essay Scholarship Contest!

Michigan District Optimists proudly announce the results of the 2021-22 Essay Scholarship Contest!1st Place and winner of the $2,500 scholarship: Grace Brege, age 18,Alpena High SchoolOptimist Club of Alpine 2nd Place: Claire Johnson, age 16,Ogemaw Heights High...

Michigan District Optimists proudly announces the results of the 2020-21 Essay Scholarship Contest!

Michigan District Optimists proudly announces the results of the 2020-21 Essay Scholarship Contest!1st Place and winner of the $2,500 scholarship: Bowei Li, age 16,Okemos High SchoolRoyal Oak Optimist Club 2nd Place: Lucy Cheatham, age 16,Portage Central High...

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Meet the winners of the Noon Optimist Club's essay contest

L aura Haskins, a student at Piedmont Charter Academy, recently won the Noon Optimist Club’s essay contest based on a theme of “Optimism: How It Connects Us.”

Noah Sanders and Chloe Downey, also of Piedmont Charter Academy, placed second and third respectively.

Laura was awarded a certificate for the honor. In addition, the essay has been sent to the district level to be judged along with winners from other Optimist Clubs in the district. College scholarships are available for top winners at the district level.

"Laura did a wonderful job of articulating this year’s theme. She expressed herself well throughout the essay and deserved this honor,” said club President Jay B Smith.

The Noon Optimist Club has been participating in the Optimist Club Essay Contest for 20 plus years and has been active in the community since the 1940s. The club also sponsors an annual Oratorical Contest.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with 93,000 adult and youth members in 3,200 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico and throughout the world. Carrying the motto “Bringing Out the Best In Our Kids.” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, call 314-371-6000 or go to optimist.org .

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Meet the winners of the Noon Optimist Club's essay contest

Platteville Optimist Club

Recent contest winners and scholarship recipients, 2022 optimist scholarship recipients.

Congratulations to Platteville High School Seniors Ava Graney and Chase Carroll, who were each selected to receive a $1000 scholarship from the Platteville Optimist Club. 

Ava plans to attend Southwest Tech with an undecided major.

Ava is daughter of Vince and Kelly Graney.

Chase  plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville majoring in Business.

Chase is son of Matthew Carroll and Amber Schwartz.

2022 TriStar Basketball Competition Winners

The 2022 TriStar Basketball Competition was held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at the Bo Ryan Court in the UW-Platteville Fieldhouse. Coach Jeff Gard and members of the Pioneer Basketball team spoke with the participants.

The winners by age group with girls listed first, followed by boys, were:

Age 6: Baynlee Spurley and Jack Wetter 

Age 7: Josephine Bakken and Beckem Fitzsimons

Age 8: Sutherin Allen and Byron Skemp

Age 9: Sydney Meyer and Landon Ludlum

Age 10: Bella Peters and in Gavin VaNetta

Age 11: Quinn Temperly and Hudson Weittenhiller

Age 12: Soraeya Stone and Tyler Schultz

Age 13: Erika Droessler and Alex Friederick

Thank you to the Youth Committee for coordinating this event and all of the volunteers who helped with the competition.     

2022 Essay Contest Winners

Pictured above:  Platteville Optimist President Howard Crofoot presents an award and check to our 1st place winner, Nuzaira Rabanni .

Pictured on the right:  Platteville Optimist President Howard Crofoot presents an award and check to our 2nd place winner,  Caleb Timmerman. ​

Congratulations Nuzaira and Caleb!

Thirty-five students from area school's participated in this year's Platteville Optimist Club Essay Contest.  The top two winners received their awards at a recent Friday morning Optimist Club meeting.

Congratulations to our winners!

Nuzaira Rabbani, our 1st place winner from Platteville Middle School received $150.  Caleb Timmerman from Saint Rose in Cuba City placed 2nd and received $100.  Placing 3rd and receiving $50, was Ben Thill also from Saint Rose in Cuba City.

2022 Oratorical Contest Winners

The 2022 first place winner is Nuzaira Rabbani from the Platteville Middle School,($150). Receiving second place is Caleb Timmerman from Saint Rose School in Cuba City,($100).  Treyton Furrer, also from Saint Rose School, earned third place ($50).  The first and second place contestants will be going on to district level to compete on May 14th at DeForest as there isn’t a zone contest this year. The winners will be asked to present their speeches at an upcoming Optimist Club meeting.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped with this event. 

L-R:  Treyton Furrer, Caleb Timmerman, Nuzaira Rabbani and Platteville Optimist President Howard Crofoot.

2022 Oratorical Contest Participants

2022 participants pictured with Platteville Optimist President, Howard Crofoot:

L-R:  Caleb Timmerman, Nuzaira Rabbani, Evelynn Cummins, Treyton Furrer, Elizabeth Franzen and Platteville Optimist President Howard Crofoot.

2021 Optimist Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to Platteville High School Seniors Matthew Detrie and Noah Rhoden, who were each selected to receive a $1000 scholarship from the Platteville Optimist Club. 

Matthew plans to attend UW-Platteville to major in Industrial Technology Management.

Matthew in son of Chris and Heather Detrie.

Noah plans to attend Coconino Community College and then transfer to Northern Arizona University majoring in Business Management and Stock Analysis.

Noah is son of Jay and the late Vicci Rhoden.

2021 Oratorical Contest Winners

This year's first place winner was Maria Schmitt from Saint Rose School in Cuba City,($150). Receiving second place was Benedict Drefcinski,($100).  Emily Wiegman earned third place ($50).  Winners will now compete at the Zone level and could possibly move on to the District, winning up to a $2,500 scholarship.

L-R:  Christine Storlie, Event Chair, Emily Wiegman, Benedict Drefcinski, Maria Schmitt and Platteville Optimist President Tom Nall

2021 Oratorical Contest Participants

Front Row L-R: Benedict Drefcinski, Emily Wiegman, Bethany Daugherty, Maria Schmitt, Faith Justman, Elloit Cummins, and Talan VanNatta

Back Row L-R: Noah Wood, Ella Vosberg, Kylie Heller, Dea Crist, Ben Richards, and Christine Storlie of the Platteville Optimist Club

2021 Essay Contest Winners

“Reaching Your Dreams by Choosing Optimism”

was the theme of this year’s Platteville Optimist Club Essay Contest.    A total of 34 students from Platteville Middle School, Iowa Grant Middle School and St. Rose Catholic School (Cuba City) participated in the event.

This year’s 1st place winner was Zachary Ludlum ($200 scholarship) from Platteville Middle School. He will advance to the Zone contest for a chance to advance to the District contest ($500 scholarship). Natalie Jentz, also from Platteville Middle School, received 2nd place ($50 scholarship), and Hope Connolly from Iowa Grant earned 3rd place ($50 scholarship).

Pictured are Christine Storlie, Event Chair, Platteville Middle School students: Zachary Ludlum (1st Place), Natalie Jentz (2nd Place), Katherine Leahy (6th Place), Rowan Chmielewski (9th Place), Nuzaira Rabbani (5th Place) and Tom Nall Platteville Optimist Club President.

2020 Optimist Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to Platteville High School Seniors Nicholas Cullen and Ashlyn Moon, who were each selected to receive a $1000 scholarship from the Platteville Optimist Club.  Nicholas plans to attend UW-Stevens Point with an undecided major.  Ashlyn plans to attend Coastal Carolina Community College majoring in Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

Nicholas in son of Jerry and Stephanie Cullen.

Ashlyn is daughter of Gerald and

Emily Moon.

Essay Contest Winner - 2020

1st place: aksel schuldes.

Awards were presented to Platteville Middle School students placing in the recent Essay Contest sponsored Platteville Optimist and UWP Student Optimist Club. Pictured are Wayne Wodarz, Optimist member/Youth Activities Chair, Honorable Mention recipients pictured are Lilly Otto, Penny Black, Eva Hollingsworth, and Nicholas Rohou. Taking first place was Aksel Schuldes. Dr. Christine Storlie has served as Essay Chair for several years and is also a member of the Platteville Optimist Club. The essay topic was “Is Optimism the Key to Achieving the Dreams you iMagine”. Congratulations to all participants. Aksel's essay will compete at the SWIS District level for a chance to win a $2,500 scholarship.

Oratorical Contest Winners - 2020

             treyton furrer and nicholas connolly.

Winners of the Optimist sponsored Oratorical contest were Treyton Furrer, student at St. Rose and Nicholas Connolly, Jr. at  Iowa-Grant. Pictured also is Christine Storlie of Platteville Optimists. Treyton and Nicholas will now compete at the Zone level and could possibly move on to the District, winning up to a $2,500 scholarship.

Oratorical Contestants - 2020

Front row: benedict drefcinski (runner-up),  treyton furrer (winner), leah mergen (runner-up), eydie cummins, allison joos, back row: joseph vyetreil, breyden johll, nicholas (winner) christine storlie.

Palmetto Optimist Club announces Essay and Oratorical Scholarship Contest winners

Palmetto Optimist Club announced the winners of the annual Essay and Oratorical Scholarship Contest. The competition, designed to foster communication skills and reward academic excellence, saw participation from students across the community.

Bayleigh Donhauser, a student at Thomas Sumter Academy, was the first-place winner. Donhauser's essay earned her a $150 award, and she will advance to the district level to compete for $2,500 in scholarships. Her insightful and eloquent composition impressed the judges, showcasing her remarkable writing talent and intellectual prowess.

In the Oratorical Contest on March 19, Angela Agno claimed the title of first-place winner. Agno's captivating oratory skills earned her a $150 award, demonstrating her ability to articulate ideas with clarity and conviction. Isabella Grudinski secured the second-place position, receiving a $100 award for her impressive performance. Sophia Levi took third place, showcasing remarkable oratory skills and earning recognition for her outstanding presentation.

All three Oratorical Contest winners hailed from Wilson Hall, highlighting the school's commitment to nurturing public speaking talents among its students.

The Palmetto Optimist Club will send the top two Oratorical Contest winners to the next level of the Optimist International World Championships. This prestigious opportunity could lead to scholarships worth up to $22,500 at the international level. In the event that one of the top two contestants is unable to participate, the third-place winner will be offered the chance to compete at the next level.

The club extended its best wishes to all Oratorical Contest participants as they prepare for the zone-level competition on April 6 in Lugoff. It also encouraged them as they advance to the district level, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their oratory skills on a broader platform.

For more information about the Palmetto Optimist Club and its initiatives, visit PalmettoOptimist.org .

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GATEway Optimists

By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

zEssay Contest 2021

2020-2021 Optimist International Essay Contest

Topic: “ reaching your dreams by choosing optimism ”, district essay chair:     linda brown                                                   email: [email protected]                                                   cell: 678-316-7015, for a copy of the 2021 essay contest handout: click here.

The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International   to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In additional to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!

This contest is open to students under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2020  and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent. There is no minimum age. Essays must be typewritten and double-spaced and contain not less than 700 and no more than 800 words. Works of fiction or poetry are not eligible.

Zone winners advance to the District contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. The District level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundation.

For more information, visit  www.optimist.org/e/member/scholarships3.cfm

Contest deadlines:  .

Club to Zone: must be received by Lt. Governor by Jan. 31, 2021 Contact your Lt. Governor for extended deadlin e date

Zone to District: must be received by Linda Brown by Mar. 15, 2021

District to OI: must be received at OI by April 15, 2021

Items in Your Club Entry Packet:

• Optimist International Essay Contest Application for 2020-2021 – Must be signed by contestant and parent or guardian
• District Essay Contest Entry Form – Must be signed by contestant, Club Essay Chair and Club President.
• Legible Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport
• Typed Copy of Essay
• A Check for $35 Made Payable to Gateway District Optimist International

Optimist International Resources:

To download rules and application form,  click here, for the essay contest program package,  click here  , to download the club planning guide,  click here, essay contest general information and forms can be found at  essay contest page at optimist.org, club certificate of participation can be found at:  http://www.optimist.org/forms/essay_certificate_club_color.pdf  .

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Optimist Essay Contest Announced

The Optimist Club of Van Wert is encouraging area students to participate in the Optimist International essay contest for the 2021-2022 school year.  The contest is open to all Van Wert County students who are under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2021 and are not enrolled as a degree seeking student of a post-secondary institution. There is no minimum age.

The topic for this year’s competition is “How Does an Optimistic Mindset Change My Tomorrow?” The essay contest entry deadline is Monday, February 14. The Van Wert Optimist Club will judge local students’ essays and determine the top winners. 

Local winners will receive medallions, along with cash awards of $300 (first place), $200 (second place) and $100 (third place). The Club winner’s essay advances to the district contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. 

Students wanting to participate in the essay contest can receive application information and additional details by contacting their English teacher or guidance counselor or by contacting Diana Cearns, club essay chair, at 419-238-1463. Completed applications with essays will be picked up from local schools on February 14 and home school/individual entry students should mail or drop off completed essays (address on application) to be received by 4:00 pm on February 14.

The Optimist Club of Van Wert sponsors many local youth programs and conducts positive service projects. The goal of Optimist is to encourage students to bring out the best in themselves and others. To learn more about the club for membership interest contact Ray Able, secretary-treasurer, at 419-238-5086. 

Download the application

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Warsaw Breakfast Optimists Announce 2024 Oratorical And Essay Contest Winners

The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club recently hosted the winners of the Oratorical and Essay Contests at the Shrine Building at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, Warsaw. Photos provided.

News Release

WARSAW — The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club has announced the conclusion of its 2024 Oratorical and Essay Contests, which culminated in an awards ceremony held at a recent club meeting.

The event showcased local students in the realms of public speaking and writing.

The Oratorical and Essay Contests, longstanding traditions of the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club, aim to encourage and recognize excellence in communication skills among youth in the community. Participants were asked to either write an essay with the theme “Optimism: How it Connects Us” or a speech with this year’s theme, “Discovering the Optimist Within Me.”

The following students emerged as the winners of the 2024 Oratorical and Essay Contests:

Oratorical Contest Winners

• First: Shashank Upadhyay of Warsaw Community High School
• Second: Emilia Samaranayake of Warsaw Community High School

Essay Contest Winners

• First: Caleb Smith of Warsaw Community High School
• Second: Bryttin Wagoner of Lincoln Elementary School, Warsaw
• Third: Lynk Klinefelter of Wawasee High School, Syracuse

During the awards ceremony, winners read or performed and were presented with certificates of achievement, medals and/or monetary prizes or Kosciusko Cash.

The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club said it was grateful to all the participants, judges, sponsors and volunteers who contributed to this year’s contest. Through events like these, the club demonstrates its commitment to fostering optimism, leadership and academic success among youth in Warsaw and beyond.

For more information about the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club and its initiatives, visit warsawoptimist.org.

Pictured in front from left are winners in the Oratorical Contest: Emilia Samaranayake, Margareta Loebs, Neil Viswanadha and Shashank Upadhyay. Upadhyay won first place. In back, is Oratorical Contest chairman Jeff Owens.

Oratorical winner Emilia Samaranayake performs at the Optimist Club.

Pictured from left are Essay Contest winners Lynk Klinefelter, Bryttin Wagoner and Caleb Smith. Smith won first place. At far right is Shari Benyousky, Essay Contest chairwoman.

Oratorical winner Shashank Upadhyay performs at the Optimist Club.

Essay winner Caleb Smith reads his essay for the Optimist Club.

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Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Students      >      Essay Contests      >     Atlas Shrugged

✓    Open to all high school, college, and graduate students worldwide.

Annual Grand Prize

June 14, 2024

Summer Entry Deadline

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Interested in participating?

Fill out the contact form below, and we’ll email you with more information about this year’s contest—including instructions on how to enter.

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We’ll email you more information about this year’s contest—including instructions on how to enter. In the meantime, please let us know at [email protected] if you have any questions. We’re happy to help.

What is Atlas Shrugged?

The astounding story of a man who said that he would stop the motor of the world—and did.

Tremendous in scope, breathtaking in its suspense, Atlas Shrugged is unlike any other book you have ever read. It is a mystery story, not about the murder of a man’s body, but about the murder—and rebirth—of man’s spirit.

How It Works

Every three months there is a new seasonal entry round, with its own unique essay prompt. You may compete in any or all of these entry rounds.

The top three essays from each season will be awarded a cash prize. The first-place essay from each season will advance to compete for the annual grand prize.

The first-place essay from each season will be eligible to contend for the annual first-place title, with the opportunity to secure a grand prize of $25,000.

Challenging Essay Topics

Each entry round features a unique topic designed to provoke a deeper understanding of the book’s central themes and characters.

Essays must be written in English only and be between 800 and 1,600 words in length.

Questions? Write to us at [email protected] .

• Summer Prompt
• Fall Prompt
• Winter Prompt

The essay prompt for our fall entry period has not yet been determined. We will post it here as soon it’s available.

The essay prompt for our winter entry period has not yet been determined. We will post it here as soon it’s available.

Grand Prize

Master our grading standards.

Essays are judged on whether the student is able to justify and argue for his or her view, not on whether the Institute agrees with the view the student expresses. 

Our graders look for writing that is clear, articulate, and logically organized.  Essays should stay on topic, address all parts of the selected prompt, and interrelate the ideas and events in the novel. 

Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic meaning of Atlas Shrugged .

Organization

Understanding, contest timeline, discover the power of atlas shrugged.

Atlas Shrugged  is a mystery novel like no other. You enter a world where scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and inventors are inexplicably vanishing—where the world is crumbling.

And what you discover, by the end, is an uplifting vision of life, an inspiring cast of heroes, and a challenging new way to think about life’s most important issues.

Learn more and request a free digital copy of the book today.

Learn from Past Winners

Curious to know what makes for a winning essay in the Atlas Shrugged   contest? Check out some of the essays written by our most recent grand-prize winners. 

To varying degrees, they all display an excellent grasp of the philosophic meaning of Atlas Shrugged .

Click here to see the full list of 2022 contest winners.

Jacob Fisher

Graduate Student

Stanford University

Stanford, California

United States

Mariah Williams

Regis University

Denver, Colorado

Nathaniel Shippee

University of Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

Samuel Weaver

St. John’s College

Annapolis, Maryland

Patrick Mayles

Graduate student

Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Christina Jeong

College Student

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana

Improve Your Writing Skills

Other than endorsing perfect punctuation and grammar in English, the Ayn Rand Institute offers no advice or feedback for essays submitted to its contests. However, we do recommend the following resources as ways to improve the content of your essays.

The Atlas Project

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We’ll send you periodic reminders about the contest deadlines, as well as helpful resources to ensure you get the most out of your experience reading and writing about Ayn Rand’s  Atlas Shrugged .

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Then, when you're ready to submit your essay, just return to our platform. Your saved entry will be right where you left off. So, why wait? Take the first step, and start your entry today.

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NORTH HAVEN NEWS

What's Making Headlines in the Town of North Haven, CT

Rep. Yaccarino Celebrates Winner of Annual Women’s History Month Essay Contest

Virginia Tupper, a sixth-grade student at North Haven Middle School, was selected by her teachers as the winner of Rep. Yaccarino’s annual contest.

Chris on April 4, 2024

On Thursday, March 28 th , State Rep. Dave Yaccarino presented the winner of his annual Women’s History Month Essay Contest with a special state citation.

Virginia Tupper, a sixth-grade student at North Haven Middle School, was selected by her teachers as the winner of Rep. Yaccarino’s annual contest, acknowledging the excellence of her essay celebrating Ruth A. Lucas.

Participants were asked to write an essay on the prompt, “Important Women in Connecticut’s History and How Their Contributions to the State and Nation Affect Me.”

Ruth A. Lucas, the subject of Virginia’s winning essay, was “the first African American woman to attain the rank of full Colonel in the Air Force and a huge advocate for high education as well as equality for women,” Tupper wrote.

She was accompanied by her mother and sisters, Superintendent Patrick Stirk, North Haven Middle School Laurie Bankowksi, and Language Arts teacher Amy Pandolfi.

Rep. Yaccarino said, “I want to congratulate Virginia for her accomplishment and her detailed and advanced writing. Her knowledge of and respect for Women’s History in Connecticut is inspiring. Virginia gives North Haven so much to be proud of.”

Women’s History Month is celebrated in March each year.

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Moscow City Election – 2023

• Introduction to the Candidates
• GUIDE: How to Register to Vote and Vote

This year in the City of Moscow, three City Council seats and school board seats for Zones 1, 3, and 4, are up for election. For the city council race, the winners will be whichever candidates receive the top three sets of votes , while the school board trustees will be decided based on who gets the most votes in their respective districts.

School board

School Board Zone 1: Cody Barr (REP), Jim Frenzel (DEM) School Board Zone 3: Gay Lynn Clyde (REP), Dulce Kersting-Lark (DEM) School Board Zone 4: Jim Gray (REP), Dawna Fazio (DEM)

City Council Candidates:

Get to know the candidates through our Candidate Candids interview series ! These long-form conversations cover more than mere talking points.

Nathan Tupper

Evan Holmes:

Bryce Blankenship

Joe Campbell

Sandra Kelly

While Sandra was unable to conduct an interview with us, you can find more information about her platform and campaign here: https://www.facebook.com/kellyformoscow

Voter Registration Info

Early voting starts Oct 25th, and runs through November 3rd. During this period, citizens can go to the Latah County Courthouse between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and vote. Otherwise, election day is on November 7th, at which time citizens will need to go to their respective precincts to vote ( Precinct Map ), based on their residential address.

If your permanent residence is here in Moscow, Latah County, Idaho:

****************************************************************************************************

To register to vote online (voteidaho.gov) or at the Latah County clerk’s office or at the polls, you must be a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age, a resident of Idaho and your county for 30 days prior to the election. To prove this, you must provide:

• Idaho-issued identification card or Idaho driver’s license or current US passport
• One approved proof of residence document

Any of the above photo identification with correct residence address:

• Lease or rental agreement
• Utility bill (excluding cellular telephone bill)
• Bank or credit card statement
• Paystub, paycheck, government-issued check
• For students: Enrollment papers from current school year. 

Identification

Do you have an Idaho state-issued photo identification card (or driver’s license)?

Yes, I have an Idaho state-issued photo identification card (or driver’s license). 

Is your address current on it?

If not please update your address online at dmvonline.itd.idaho.gov/   Or in person at Latah County DMV, 1313 S. Blaine Street, Moscow, ID 83843. (No need to pay the $20 new-card fee. The address will be corrected in the state’s system.) 

No, I do not have an Idaho state-issued photo identification card (or driver’s license) . 

Follow the Idaho DMV rules for a driver’s license. Or apply for an Idaho photo identification card:

Bring 1 or 2 (2 will allow you to get a Star Card for travel purposes) of these original documents proving residency that are less than a year old in your current name with current address to the DMV:

• Lease, rental agreement, mortgage, or deed
• Account statement from one or two different utilities (no ¾ page or cell phone bills)
• Account statement from a bank or financial institution
• Medical or insurance provider statement, invoice, or explanation of benefits
• Pay stub or employment verification (it must list your legal name.)
• Idaho school enrollment records with current address (college IDs are not accepted)
• Residency affidavit signed by an adult over age 18
• Vehicle, homeowner’s, or renter’s liability information.
• And bring your birth certificate and social security card .

Have you been recently married and need to update your name on your Idaho state-issued photo identification card (or driver’s license)?

First, change your name on your social security card by taking to Lewiston Social Security Office:

• Maiden name social security card
• Marriage certificate (not the gold-seal version, but the certified copy)
• Must have State File Number, Groom, Bride, and Family ( maiden ) Name completed
• Birth certificate (recorded copy, not the keepsake copy)
• Maiden name state-issued photo identification card (or driver’s license).

Then, change your name on your Idaho state-issued photo identification card (or driver’s license) at the Latah County DMV, 1313 S. Blaine Street, Moscow, ID 83843.

I was recently married, but I do not have ANY valid photo identification card

• Follow the Idaho DMV rules for a driver’s license. 

Or apply for an Idaho state-issued photo identification card (see steps above). Wait for the plastic one to arrive in the mail. 

2. Change your name on your social security card by taking to Lewiston:

• New Idaho state-issued photo identification card (or driver’s license).

3.  Wait 24-48 hours. Then return to DMV in person for your state-issued photo identification card (or driver’s license).

There is a new, free Idaho voting identification card option for people who do not drive. This program began in July 2023, so there is not much information available on it. 

The signed affidavit is only to be used if the properly registered voter comes to the polls without a picture identification, and his verbally given address matches the roster. If the addresses do not match, the person must re-register to vote (must go and get the photo identification and proof of address).

As a student , where should I register to vote?

From the Idaho Secretary of State’s website :

“College students must establish, as with all other voter registration applicants, that the locale within which they seek to register and vote is their domicile i.e. that they are living in the college community with the intention of abandoning their former domicile and with the intention of remaining permanently, or for an indefinite length of time, in the new location. Some of the factors which may be relevant in determining whether domicile has been established for voting purposes by a student as well as any other applicant, are as follows:

• Has the applicant registered to vote elsewhere?
• Where does the applicant maintain his checking and saving accounts, if any?
• Where does the applicant pay taxes, and what address did he list as his residence on his last income tax return?
• What is the residence listed on the applicant’s driver’s license?
• If the applicant owns an automobile, where is it registered?
• Does the applicant live year round at his claimed domicile, or does he divide it elsewhere? If it is divided, how much time is spent elsewhere and for what reason?

As a student, you should not be registering and voting in your college locale simply because you failed to register and vote at your true domicile. Registering to vote is a serious matter which should only be done after proper reflection. It should be noted that there is no federal right to vote anywhere in the United States for the office of President. State laws control registration and voting and State residency requirements must be met.”

“We need and want all students to vote at their legal domicile.”

If your permanent residence is in another state, contact your home state’s election division to register and vote (absentee?) there.

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Aiden Anderson

Which candidates for city council are members of Christ church? They seem to be the most sensible candidates.

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