The Ocean City – Berlin Maryland Optimist Club
Essay Contest

The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write their own opinions regarding the world in which they live and make a contribution in. The topic selected each year is intended to give the young person the room to develop their own views around the central idea. In Addition to the opportunity for written expression participants have the opportunity to win a college scholarship of up to $6,000. The current Club Chairman is Robert Russell who has performed this duty for six years.

Once a year students are requested to fill out an application to be signed both by the student and their parent/guardian. In 2008 the club Essay Contest 60 students submitting Essays from 3 High Schools, one Middle School and one private Preparatory School. The first place winner in the Club contest receives $300, second place winner receives $200 and the third place winner receives $100. Each winner also receives a medallion and framed copy of a certificate of participation. The Club winners along with their parents/Guardian and Teachers are also treated to a dinner by the Club.
The Club 1st place winner has a chance to participate at the Optimist District Contest with the possibility of winning an additional $650 scholarship. The District winner goes on to the International Contest where prizes towards Scholarships are $6000 for 1st, $3750 for 2nd and $2250 for 3rd.

This years Club winners were from Worcester Preparatory School:
1st – Michelle Wangel age 14
2nd- Jacqueline Wangel age 16
3rd – Dominique Kunciw age 16

CLICK HERE FOR ESSAY Application Form

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