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Optimist International Essay Contest - 2022-2023 school year: 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. Optimist International assigns a new topic each year and provides the rules and guidelines for holding this essay contest for students. The Northridge Optimist Club club sponsors a local level of the contest in conjunction with Northridge Schools. This year's contest concluded in February of 2023. The topic for this year was "Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings Out the Optimism in You?" The winning contestant’s essay in the club level contest will also compete for scholarship awards with other student essays at the Optimist District (state) level.
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The club level awards for the 2023 contest were presented at the March 21 club lunch meeting at Little York Pizza. The school arranged for transportation of the students and provided them with time away from school for their special recognition. The students thoroughly enjoyed great lunches (with dessert) and received their awards at this luncheon. All the placing contestants are from Northridge Middle School. Each contestant also invited a school friend to attend the meeting with them. The awardees each received a certificate for their placing, plus the first three places also received a medallion (gold/silver/bronze) for their respective placing.
• The First-Place award went to Aaliya Bocock, Second Place to Lindsey Jenkins*, and Third Place to Alaysha Swain. Honorable Mention awards were also presented to Tah’kyan Baker and Brooklyn Thomas. The first place essay will now compete statewide with other winning student essays for a chance at a $2500 scholarship from Optimist International.
*(Lindsey Jenkins was unfortunately not able to attend due to illness but will receive her award at a school ceremony).
*(Lindsey Jenkins was unfortunately not able to attend due to illness but will receive her award at a school ceremony).
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Teacher Sarah Wallace (not pictured teacher Sheena Burns)
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• The contest would not be possible without the dedicated teachers who conduct the contest, directing and inspiring the student to create their essays. Certificates of Thanks were also presented for these teachers. Sarah Wallace was on hand to receive the certificate, and Sheena Burns (who was unable to attend) will also receive a certificate
• Many thanks also to the three judges for volunteering their time and efforts in judging and scoring the essays. The judges were Tina Rezash Rogal, Kristen Tomlinson, and Optimist member Dave Williamson. Dave also acted as Master of Ceremonies for the awards event.
• The Northridge Optimist Club also offers thanks to Northridge Schools and staff members for supporting this contest and making it possible. Superintendent of Northridge Schools Dave Jackson was present to congratulate the students and address the group. And thanks to bus driver Desiree Shirack, who transported the students and was also present at lunch to see the students receive their awards.
• Special thanks to the Northridge Schools Director of Curriculum Kim Puckett who coordinated the contest in the school, implemented the procedures, and facilitated the project from start to finish. She could not attend the awards meeting, but will be recognized at a later club meeting.
• Others present at the meeting were Ohio District Optimist Zone 6 Lt. Governor Brenda Moore, invitees from Cargill*, the contestant’s student guests, plus Northridge Optimist President Rick Snider and club members.
*The Cargill guests, Russ Stringfellow, Jannette Wirrig, Jennifer Hiers, and SueEllen Legg are from the Cargill Cares Committee. Cargill is a generous supporter of Northridge Optimist projects. (SueEllen is also a Northridge Optimist member).
• The Northridge Optimist Club also offers thanks to Northridge Schools and staff members for supporting this contest and making it possible. Superintendent of Northridge Schools Dave Jackson was present to congratulate the students and address the group. And thanks to bus driver Desiree Shirack, who transported the students and was also present at lunch to see the students receive their awards.
• Special thanks to the Northridge Schools Director of Curriculum Kim Puckett who coordinated the contest in the school, implemented the procedures, and facilitated the project from start to finish. She could not attend the awards meeting, but will be recognized at a later club meeting.
• Others present at the meeting were Ohio District Optimist Zone 6 Lt. Governor Brenda Moore, invitees from Cargill*, the contestant’s student guests, plus Northridge Optimist President Rick Snider and club members.
*The Cargill guests, Russ Stringfellow, Jannette Wirrig, Jennifer Hiers, and SueEllen Legg are from the Cargill Cares Committee. Cargill is a generous supporter of Northridge Optimist projects. (SueEllen is also a Northridge Optimist member).
Club President Rick Snider
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Master of Ceremonies Dave Williamson
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Dave Jackson, Superintendent of Northridge Schools
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Brenda Moore, Lt. Gov. Zone 6, Ohio District Optimist
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Left to right in front: Cargill guests,
Jannette Wirrig, Jennifer Hiers, Russ Stringfellow
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Lunch is Served
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Thanks to all for supporting the students!
