.jpg)
Essay and Oratorical Contests
The Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Optimist Club is looking for students to participate in the 2024-2025 Optimist International Essay and Oratorical Scholarship Contests. All contestants must be under the age of 19 prior to September 30th, 2025 and have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent. There is no minimum age to participate. Contestants must reside in the Wentzville School District service area to be sponsored by our club, but all may participate through Optimist International.
​
Complete the entry form below and email it to optimists.wlsl@gmail.com prior to 1/15/2025.
Essay Contest
The 2024-25 essay contest theme is "How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success.” The Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Club will award a $100 club prize to the essay contest winner. Seniors attending in the Wentzville School District should participate in the Essay Contest by applying for the Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Harold Simpson Memorial Scholarship through their high school’s scholarship program, and will be eligible for one of four $500 scholarships in leu of the $100 club prize. The club will select one essay from all submissions to advance to the Optimist District Contest where the winner receives a $2,500 scholarship. Prior District winners are ineligible to participate.
​
Oratorical Contest
The 2024-25 oratorical contest theme is “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times." ”The Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Club will offer a $250 prize to the first place winner who will advance to the Zone and /or Combined Zone competition. The Zone winner moves on to the Optimist District competition where 1st place receives $2,500, 2nd place receives $1,500, and 3rd place receives $1,000. District winners move on to compete at the Regionals where the winner receives a $5000 scholarship and a chance to compete at the International competition for $15,000. Prior Regional winners are ineligible to participate.
​