Optimist Club searching for essay writers

The Optimist Club of Van Wert is encouraging area students to contemplate the phrase “How My Education is the Key to a Successful Future” as part of the Optimist International Essay Contest for 2011.

The Essay Contest entry deadline is February 11, 2011.  The Optimist Club will judge the local students’ essays, and determine the top winners. Winners will receive Cash Awards of first place ($200), second place ($100), and third place ($50).

The winning essay will be sent to the district level competition, where college scholarships are available and entry to the international-level judging for top winners.

Students wanting to participate in the essay contest can receive application information and find out more by contacting Essay Chair Diana Cearns at 419.749.2571 or at pjcdjc@frontier.com.

The Optimist Club sponsors many local youth programs and conducts positive service projects, which include its annual After Prom service project, the ArtRageous local event in June and the upcoming Oratorical Contest, also held for local students. It’s the Optimists’ goal to encourage students to bring out the best in themselves.

To learn more about the club or for membership interest, contact Ray Able, secretary-treasurer, at 419.238.5086, or Nancy Sink, president, at 419.238.5952.