Essay Contest

The Optimist Club of Des Plaines will once again accept at-large essays for judging in the 2009-2010 International Essay Contest. The topic for this year, chosen by the International Board of Directors and the board of Junior Optimist Octagon International is "The Internet: Today's Evolution or Tomorrow's Menace?"

An at large essay is one from any Illinois area where there is no Optimist club, or the local one does not participate in the contest.

The essays, which must be between 400-500 words are judged by a panel of three, and must be received by the Optimist Club of Des Plaines no later than January 18th with all the necessary paperwork.

The state (District) winner will receive $650.00 and a plaque, the top three finishers internationally receive plaques and prizes of $6,000, $3,750.00 and $2,250.00.

This contest is open to youth under the age of 19 as of December 31, 2010.  For complete rules, visit the Optimist International website.

Please mail completed essays to:

Ms. Dianna Edwards

2116 S Plainfield

Des Plaines, IL 60016

If you have questions, you may phone her at 847-296-6573