Essays: Registration is open for the 2025-26 Club Level essay contest.  The contest is open to students under age 19 as of October 1, 2025, who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent.  This contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people their own views around a central idea.  

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Topic: "How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me"

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Judging Deadlines: The deadline for students to submit the official application and essay is February 13, 2026.  Essay and application must be emailed to rollaoptimistessay@gmail.com.  Only electronic essay attachments will be accepted.  The winning essay will be identified no later than February 28.  1st-3rd place finishers will be recognized at an Optimist Club of Rolla meeting in the spring. Your essay must be in one of the following file formats: .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf file.

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Prizes:  The Optimist Club will award $75 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd place, and $25 for 3rd place.  Medallions will also be awarded to 1st-3rd place finishers.  All participants shall receive a lapel pin.  The winning essay will be forwarded to the East Missouri District, Optimist International, to compete for a plaque and a $2,500 college scholarship.

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Rules: Officials rules are included with the application.   Please ensure you have read and understand the General Rules, Qualifications for Contestants, Contest Rules, Judging and Timing, Scoring, Penalties, and Awards.

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For assistance please contest Rolla Optimist Essay Contest Chairperson Robert Barth at rollaoptimistessay@gmail.com.

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Link to the essay application                                          Link to the press release