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
Bay City Noon Optimist
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Patti Krenz
Cardinal-Skidway Lake, MI
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Charles Snyder
Clarkston
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Linda Danek
Detroit: Central Detroit
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Lori Diggs
Downtown Detroit Optimist Club
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Fred Rottach
Detroit: Faith, Hope & Love
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Juanita Bell
Detroit Northwest
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Kathryn Joyner
Greater Lansing
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Elizabeth Johnson
Huron Valley
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Pam Barkholtz
Kalamazoo (BOCK)
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Julie Howes
Muskegon
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Dr. Pamela Smith
Plymouth-Canton Optimist Club
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Pam Batcho
Roseville Optimist Club
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John Czech
Royal Oak
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Mike Ripinski
Optimist Club of Saginaw
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John Olvera
Southfield-Lathrup Village
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Cherryl Thames
West Bloomfield Optimist Club
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Greg Flynn
Waterford Breakfast
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Martha Lawrence
Michigan Int't Enteprenauers/Southfield
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Debra Crump
Mecosta County
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Michelle Kauffold
Rochester Regional Optimist Club
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Sue Kardasz
Pontiac Optimist Club
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Monetta Foster
West Branch Optimist Club
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Charles Snyder
Michigan District Optimists proudly announces the results of the 2020-21 Essay Scholarship Contest!
Michigan District Optimists proudly announces the results of the 2020-21 Essay Scholarship Contest!1st Place and winner of the $2,500 scholarship: Bowei Li, age 16,Okemos High SchoolRoyal Oak Optimist Club 2nd Place: Lucy Cheatham, age 16,Portage Central High...
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.