SOLOMONS, Md. – Cash awards are on the line with the Optimist Club’s upcoming annual Essay Contest, and winners may be eligible for scholarships as they advance to the district competition. Calvert County youth (1) under age 19 as of October 1, 2024, and (2) who do not attend school in Lusby, MD, can register to participate through the Optimist Club of Calvert.*
The essay contest, sponsored by Optimist International, allows 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.
This year’s essay topic is “How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success.” The essay must be 700 to 800 words and be original; it will be run through a plagiarism checker. Locally, winners will compete for cash prizes with the top prize being $125. The first-place winner will advance to the district-level competition. The first-place winner at the district level will receive a plaque and a $2,500 college scholarship.
Applications and contest rules are available on the Optimist Club of Calvert’s website, www.OptimistClubofCalvert.org. Essays and applications are due by Friday, February 7, 2025.
*Please note the Solomons Optimist Club serves families attending schools in Lusby, Maryland. Youth attending school in Lusby should enter the Solomons Optimist Club’s essay contest. Applications and contest rules are available on their website, www.SolomonsOptimistClub.org. Essays and applications for the Solomons Club’s Essay Contest are due by Friday, January 31, 2025.