The Optimist Club of Calgary is excited to announce the return of its Essay Scholarship Contest for the 2025–26 school year! This inspiring opportunity is open to students who are under 19 years of age as of October 1, 2025.
To enter, students are invited to craft a 700–800-word essay on the theme: “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.” So sharpen those pencils, share your story, and let your creative writing skills shine!
Submissions will be accepted until January 10, 2026.
To apply, download the Oratorical Contest Application described below, complete it, and submit it via e-mail to Bob Steele, Essay Contest Chair, at ironmanb@telusplanet.net with the Subject “Essay Contest”. The entry must include a completed application form, signed by the entrant and his/her parent, a copy of proof of age, and a brief statement of the school and grade attended. Entries will be acknowledged as received, and there will be no limit on entries. There will be a Zoom meeting between Mr. Steele and entrants in December to discuss the rules; it is recommended that entrants wait for that meeting before writing their essay.
CONTEST APPLICATION FORM: 25-26_Essay_Application
There are medals and cash prizes of $300, $200, and $100 for the top three essays. The best essay will be entered into the Scholarship contest. All Optimist clubs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana may enter this contest. One post-secondary scholarship valued at $2,500 is awarded in this contest.
Any questions regarding the contest should be directed to Bob Steele, Contest Chair, via email at ironmanb@telusplanet.net.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
Optimist International sponsors the Essay contest to allow young people 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 addition to developing written expression skills, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship.
In the past eleven Essay Contests, the entrant from our club has earned the $2,500 scholarship for our District six times.
For more information on the Essay Contest, check out our website at https://optimistyyc.org/contests/ or the Optimist International Website by CLICKING HERE.
Optimist International is recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all youth and helps them develop to their full potential.