Essay Contest

Topic for the 2024 - 2025 Year is:
"How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success”

Conference Award Date:
Saturday, May 11-12, 2025

Awards:
1st Place Winner Receives $2,500 Scholarship

Eligibility Update:
Contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2024 and have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent.  Interested students submit their essay on the topic to their local optimist clubs. 
 
Sponsoring:
The district winner is sponsored by a club. The Essay Contest scholarship is sponsored by Optimist International Foundation to give youth the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. 

Requirements:
Essays need to be between 700 - 800 words.  ( Applications with contest rules must be submitted to your local club)

Schedule:
All Club-level contests are held by early February. Student submissions will not be accepted after the Club-level contests have closed.  Club winners must be submitted to SWIS District Chair by:  February 28, 2025. 

Contact Chair Information:
Janet McGinty - jlmcginty@tds.net    
 
General Contact for Information:
Swisdistrictessay@gmail.com    

Parents and Students:
Essay Application

Club Planning Guide:
Optimist Essay_Planning_Guide

Scholarship General Flyer:
Scholarship_24-25_Flyer 

SWIS District Deadline:
Submit winner to Optimist International by April 2025.