The Optimist Club of Watchung is accepting entries to the Optimist International Essay Contest.  Students who were under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2011 (i.e. birthdate later than December 31, 1993) and who have not yet graduated from high school are eligible to submit an essay on the topic "How My Positive Outlook Benefits my Community".  The contest in Watchung is open to Watchung residents as well as to residents of the sending district for Watchung Hills Regional High School.  Students in other communities may also enter the Watchung contest provided that there is not another Optimist Club in your local area that is also conducting an essay contest.  The Optimist Club of Watchung reserves the right to forward such submissions to another club, where appropriate.

Essays must be between 700 and 800 words, not including the title, bibliography or footnotes.

The winning essay from the local club contest will be submitted to the Atlantic Central District of Optimist International, where it will be eligible for a $2500 scholarship award.

Entries are due by February 5, 2012.  The essay may be submitted electronically by email to essay@watchungoptimists.org . Submit the essay as an attachment to an email which includes all information listed in the upper left of the entry form (name, address, etc.).  The essay may also be submitted by mail to:

Optimist Club Essay Contest

1657 Brookdale Drive

Martinsville, NJ 08836

Prior to submitting the winning essay to the Atlantic Central District, the club must receive a written copy of the entry form.

 
Click here for entry form and complete contest rules.  For additional information, visit the Optimist Internation website. Please email essay@watchungoptimists.org if you have any questions.