Student Essay Contest
2025-2026 Essay Competition: "How my Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me"
The Grantham Optimist Club is excited to announce the 2025-2026 school year's essay contest.
As part of the Optimist International Essay Contest, this year’s theme is “How my Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me".
Contest Information:
- All high school students are invited to participate.
- Essays must be at least 700 words.
- The winners will receive a prize of $100, and the winning essay will be sent to the district level, where college scholarships are available for top winners.
- Essays are due February 1, 2026, and must be submitted with an application (available soon).
We know our local students have so many great ideas and thoughts about the world and the future, and as Optimists, it is our goal to encourage them to do what we can to bring out the best in each of them. This gives them an opportunity to share their creativity and pursue possible recognition as well.
If you are interested, please reach out: