The Rolla Optimist Club is once again sponsoring the Optimist International Essay Contest.  Students from Rolla High School and St. James High School have been asked to submit essays for this contest, which must be turned in to the local essay committee by  January 25th, 2006.   Non-Optimist judges have been secured to evaluate these essays to determine  1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.  The winners will be asked to read their essays at an Optimist meeting in February. 

 

The topic this year is "I'm Unique Because ... ".   The essay must be between 400--500 words and must adhere to the format and rules decided upon by the International Committee.  The first place winner will receive a $100 "I" bond, a gold medallion and a certificate.  The student coming in second will receive a $75 "I" bond, a silver medallion and a certificate, and the third place winner will receive a $50 "I" bond, a bronze medallion and a certificate.   All other entrants will receive certificates. 

 

The first place winner's essay will be forwarded to the District Essay Competition, and the winner on that level will receive a $650 college scholarship and a plaque.  Winners of all the various district contests  will be forwarded to the International Essay Competition where the 1st place winner will receive a $5,000 college scholarship and will be asked to read his/her essay at the Optimist Convention.  The second place winner will receive a $3,000 college scholarship and a plaque, and the third place winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship and a plaque. 

 

High school students (under age 19 as of December 31 of the current year) who are interested in entering this contest should e-mail us at optimist@rollanet.org.

For a complete list of rules, please click here