The Eden Prairie Optimist Club invites local students to submit their essays for its annual contest by 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
The 2024 theme, “Optimism: How It Connects Us,” encourages students to explore the role of optimism in uniting people and perspectives.
Eligible participants include any Eden Prairie area student under 19 as of Oct. 1, 2023. Essays should range from 700 to 800 words and adhere to this year’s Optimist International Essay Contest theme.
The EP Optimist Club Essay Contest is divided into three age groups to ensure fair competition and age parity. Winners will receive medallions and Barnes & Noble gift certificates. The top essay will progress to the district contest, where the writer will compete for a $2,500 college scholarship funded by the Optimist International Foundation.
An awards reception is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Star Bank Eden Prairie.
According to a media release, the contest provides a platform for students to discuss optimism’s impact in overcoming cultural divides, fostering collaboration, and initiating positive change. It emphasizes creativity and global thinking among participants.
“Young people today have so many fresh ideas about the world and their future,” said Ryan Affolter, a member of the EP Optimist Club. “As Optimists, it is our goal to encourage them and do what we can to bring out the best in each of them. This gives them a wonderful opportunity to tap into their creativity and pursue possible scholarships at the same time.”
Active in the community since 1978, the nonprofit Eden Prairie Optimist Club hosts several initiatives, including an annual essay contest, oratorical contest, Minnesota Sings, Hooked on Fishing, and the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society Solar Boat Regatta.
For more information, visit the club’s Facebook event page. The application can be found here.
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