2026-2027 Optimist International Essay Contest
Topic:
“Finding My Voice in a World Full of Noise”
District Essay Chair: Linda Brown
Email: lbb1144@att.net
Cell: (678)316-7015
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 to win a college scholarship!
This contest is open to students under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2026 and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent. There is no minimum age. Essays must be typewritten and double-spaced and contain not less than 700 and no more than 800 words. Works of fiction or poetry are not eligible.
Zone winners advance to the District contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. The District level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundation.
Essay Contest general information and forms can be found at Essay Contest page at Optimist.org
Contest Deadlines:
Club contests are suggested to be held in December, 2026 or January
Club to Zone: club packet (see below) must be received by Lt. Governor by Jan. 31, 2027
Zone to District: must be received by Linda Brown by Feb. 28, 2027. (Lt-Gov to mail packet to Linda Brown, 2041 Lantern Hill Lane, Dacula GA 30019)
District to OI: must be received at OI by April 15, 2027
Items in Your Club Entry Packet:
- Optimist International Essay Contest Application for 2025-2026 – Must be signed by contestant and parent or guardian
- District Essay Contest Entry Form – Must be signed by contestant, Club Essay Chair and Club President.
- Legible Copy of Birth Certificate or Passport
- Typed Copy of Essay
- A Check for $35 Made Payable to Gateway District Optimist International