Essay Contest
The contest is divided into two levels of competition:
1. The preliminary Club contest, where the winner from each local contest advances to the District level, and
2. The Michigan District scholarship contest, where the three top winners are awarded scholarships in the amounts of $2,500 for first place; $1,500 and $1,000 scholarships for second and third place, respectively. These scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundation and from private individuals.
Could You Use a $2500 Scholarship?
Topic for the 2024-25 school year is: “How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success”
Eligibility:
Open to all students under the age of 19 as of Oct 1, 2024 (and not enrolled as a degree-seeking student of a post-secondary institution)
Residence:
Student must reside in the State of Michigan – Lower Peninsula
Language:
The essay must be written in English
How to Enter:
Students write and submit an essay on their interpretation of this year’s official topic, “How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success”.
This scholarship contest is comprised of 2 levels: A preliminary round, which is conducted by local Optimist clubs across the state (entry deadline is generally Jan 31, 2025). The winner from each local club advances to the District level, where scholarships are awarded annually in May. The overall winner receives a $2,500 scholarship, Second Place earns $1,500 and Third Place earns $1,000.
A list of participating clubs will be posted in early December. Students: submit your essay packet to the one in your community. If there is not an Optimist Club where you live, submit your essay packet to the one nearest to you. Duplicate entries will not be accepted and are grounds for disqualification.
Most Clubs only accept submissions during the months of December and January. It is your responsibility to verify the deadline with the respective chairperson. Student submissions will not be accepted after the Club-level contests have closed.
Optimist Clubs or parents wanting more information can use the form below or please e-mail the Michigan District Essay Chair at essay@michiganoptimists.org.
Club-Level Winner’s Submission Deadline:
The deadline for Clubs to submit their winning essay to the District Chair is February 28, 2025. Please refer to your Club Packet or contact the District Chair for more information.
Resources
Essay Contest2024 – 2025 Local Clubs Participating in Essay Contest
No entries match your request.
24-25 District Essay Contest Registration Deadline
Attention Optimist Club Members! If your club is planning to participate in the Michigan District Essay Contest, please note that the deadline for clubs to register with the District is November 30, 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity to encourage young writers and...
Join the District Essay Contest: Key Information Inside
I am officially your new Michigan District Essay Chairperson and very excited! I want to go over the timeline with everyone. I've read through the District Planning Guide, I suggest you all read through the Club Planning Guide. Here is the timeline for the District...
2022-23 Essay Contest Winner
1st place, and a $2,500 scholarship:Brooke Lewis, age 16 from Zealand High SchoolHolland Optimist Club "Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings Out the Optimism in You?" Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Good leaders inspire people to have confidence in their leader....
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Whether you’re a parent of a student, a teacher, a youth volunteer or even an Optimist looking for more information, please use the form below and someone from the Michigan District Optimists Essay Committee will contact you. Be as concise as possible in the Message area.