Compete in the 2026 Optimist Essay Contest!

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. A new official topic is chosen each year. Students are encouraged to develop their skills for written expression, and they could win a college scholarship in the process!

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

2. The Michigan District scholarship contest, where the three top winners are awarded scholarships in the amounts of $2,500 for first place; $1,500 and $1,000 scholarships for second and third place, respectively. These scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundation, local clubs, and private individuals.

View more details about the District-level event through Optimist International Michigan District.

The essay prompt this year is "How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me"

1) Download an official Essay Scholarship Contest application below, complete, and 2) submit with your essay on or before the due date.

*** Hard copy due to the WBHS Counseling office by Friday, 13 February @ 2:40PM EST and email application due to Dr. K Smith (smith.kyana@gmail.com) by same due date.

PLEASE NOTE: Hard copy and email copy must both be submitted by due date for consideration in local contest. Read and follow rules carefully for maximum scoring!