The Optimist Club of Kalona is encouraging area high school students to contemplate the phrase “Reaching Your Dreams by Choosing Optimism” as part of the Optimist International Essay Contest for the 2020-21 school year.

The Optimists Club will judge the local students’ essays, based on the theme. The Kalona Optimist will award a $500 college scholarship and the winner can compete at the state level for a $2,500 college scholarship.

“Young students today have so many fresh ideas about the world and their future, said Kalona Optimist Club president Jim Crowther. “As Optimists, it is our goal to encourage them and do what we can to bring out the best in each of them. The essay contest gives them a wonderful opportunity to tap into their creativity and pursue possible scholarships at the same time.”

Essays should be 700-800 words.

Students wishing to participate in the essay contest should call Secretary Sheryl Miller at 319-936-8363 or email her at millerrj@kctc.net or by contacting Ron Slechta at The News at 319-656-2273 or publisher@thenews-ia.com.

The Optimist Club of Kalona has been participating in the Optimists Essay and Oratorical Contests for over 10 years and has been active in working with youth since 1968. Other projects that the Kalona Optimists help sponsor include youth baseball and softball sponsorship, junior golf camp sponsorship and Halloween event (when pandemic is over). The club also makes donation to the Kalona Public Library, Elements and other community projects. Funds raised by the club’s Community of Flags helps pay for these donations.