VW Optimists seeking student essays

The Optimist Club of Van Wert is encouraging area students to contemplate the phrase “How my Positive Outlook Benefits my Community” as part of the Optimist International Essay Contest for 2012. The essay contest entry deadline is February 13.

The Optimist Club will judge the local students’ essays and determine the top winners. Local winners will receive cash awards of first place ($200), second place ($100), and third place ($50). The winning essay will advance to the district contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship, with district winners advancing to the international-level judging.

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

The Optimist Club sponsors many local youth programs and conducts positive service projects, which include its annual after prom activities service project, the ArtRageous local event in June and the upcoming Oratorical Contest, also held for local students.

It’s the Optimist goal to encourage students to bring out the best in each of them. To learn more about the club or for those interested in membership, contact Ray Able, secretary-treasurer, at 419.238.5086, or Bruce Showalter, president, at 567.259.8805.