Topic:
“How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me”
Click for a copy of the 2025-2026 Essay Contest Application
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, 2025 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.
Required items with entry:
Optimist International Essay Contest Application for 2025-26 -Must be signed by contestant and parent or guardian
Legible copy of birth certificate or passport
Typed copy of essay
Submit by January 15, 2026 to albert_still@yahoo.com
Club winner advances to the Zone contest to compete.