When: The deadline for students to submit essays is determined by the sponsoring Club.  The Club contest date will be determined soon, but will be on or about January 16, 2012. The deadline for Clubs to submit their winning essay to the District Chair is February 28, 2012.  The deadline for Districts to submit their winner's information to Optimist International is April 15, 2012. 

The Essay contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give 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.  In additional to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity win a college scholarship of $2,500!

The guidelines require that contestants be under age 18 as of December 31, 2011. Club winners advance to the District contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship.  

Who: Youth under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2011 

How To Enter: Please contact Carol Applegate 410-426-8287 or capplegate@jhmi.edu