"HOW OPTIMISM HAS PAVED MY ROAD TO SUCCESS"
Topic for the 2024-2025 school year is: "HOW OPTIMISM HAS PAVED MY ROAD TO SUCCESS”
Purpose:
This contest is sponsored by the Champaign-Urbana Optimist Club and Optimist International to give young people room to develop their own views around a central idea. In addition to the opportunity for written expression, participants have the chance to win a college scholarship!
Eligibility Criteria:
This contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2024 and who have not yet completed High School or its equivalent. There is no minimum age. All contestants must provide age and identification from their birth certificate or passport before participating.
Rules:
Full Rules are on the attached form. Please read them carefully as they are not all listed on this page. Contestants must compose an original essay with limited guidance from others. Essays must contain at least 700 words but no more than 800 words. Every word of the essay is counted. This does not include the title, bibliography, or footnotes. Hyphenated words count as 1 word. (Deduction of 5 points for each 25 words over/under limit – French Essays will allow 50 words over/under for the deduction). Words are to be counted manually. The deadline for essay submission to our club is Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Prizes:
Club Level:
1st Place: Medallion or Certificate & $100.00 plus moves on to District Level
2nd Place: Certificate & $50.00
3rd Place: Certificate & $25.00
District Level:
1st Place: Plaque & $2,500.00 college scholarship
Submission:
Use the essay submission form below to submit your essay.