This contest presents young people the opportunity to write about their opinions regarding the world in which they live. Optimist International awards each District contest winner a $2,500 scholarship for advanced education.
2025-2026 Contest Information
The theme for the 2025-2026 school year is “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.”
Information for clubs on how to conduct the essay contest can be found on the Optimist International Website. Winning entries from each club sent to the district have a $25 entry fee. Deadline for clubs to enter their winning essay and payment for the Illinois District contest is to be announced.
For details on submitting essays, check the Land of Lincoln bulletin.