Topic for the 2026-2027 Year is:
“Finding My Voice in a World Full of Noise”
Conference Award Date:
Saturday, May 2027
Awards:
1st Place Winner Receives $2,500 Scholarship
Eligibility Update:
Contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2026 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 opitimist Current Contact: Jo'El Perlmann at: eventplanner2000@hotmail.com. This is an oportunity 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, 2027.
Contact Chair Information:
General District Contact for Information: Jo'El Pearlman at eventplanner2000@hotmail.com
Current Contact:
Parents and Students:
Essay Application
Club Planning Guide:
Optimist Essay_Planning_Guide
Scholarship General Flyer:
Scholarship_26-27_Flyer
SWIS District Deadline:
Submit winner to Optimist International by April 2027
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