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. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity win a college scholarship of up to $6,000!
Interested students submit essays on the pre-assigned topic to their local Optimist Club. The essays are judged at the club level, district level and at the international level.
The contest is open to students under age 19 as of December 31 of the current school year.
For this year's contest, the topic is: "The Internet: Today's Evolution or Tomorrow's Menace".
400-500 words (Title, footnotes and bibliography are not included in the final word count.)
Club level - medallion and a $50 prize
District Level - The District winner will receive a plaque and a $2500 college scholarship.
International Level - An International Essay Panel judges the district-winning essays. Scholarships are awarded as follows: first place $6,000; second place $3,750; and third place $2,250.
Essay Contest Chair
Jerry Phelps
1056 Beaver Dam Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
919-932-7343
phelps@niehs.nih.gov
Key Dates
All applications for this year's contest must be in the hands of the Essay Contest chair by February 15, 2010. Along with the application, each contestant must submit proof of age (copy of their birth certificate) and a copy of the essay in the format specified in the rules.