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When: The deadline for students to submit essays is determined by the sponsoring Club. The Club contest date was January 31, 2008. The deadline for Clubs to submit their winning essay to the District Chair was February 28, 2008. The deadline for Districts to submit their winner's information to Optimist International was April 15, 2008.

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 up to $6,000!

The guidelines require that contestants be under age 19 as of December 31 of the 2007-2008 school year. Club winners advance to the District contest to compete for a $650 college scholarship. Each District winner is automatically entered into the International Essay contest where a panel of judges select the top three essays. Scholarships are awarded as follows: first place-$6,000; second place-$3,750; and third place-$2,250.