Date Posted: December 29, 2008.

The Valley, Anguilla – The Optimist Club of Anguilla is encouraging Primary and Secondary school students under the age of 19 years to participate in its annual essay contest. Students are encouraged to write an essay on the phrase “The Power of Youth” as part of the Optimist International Essay Contest for 2009.

The Optimist Club will judge the local students’ essays, based on the theme of “The Power of Youth,” and determine the top winners. Winners will receive Cash Prizes ranging from US $250 to $100, and a medallion. The winning essay will be sent to the district level, where it will be judged among winning entries from the Caribbean Region. At this level, the top prize is US $750. The top essay from the Caribbean Region will be sent to the International level, where it will be judged among winning entries from many other nations. At this stage, the top winners are eligible for financial contributions of up to US $6000.

“Young students today have so many fresh ideas about the world and their future,” Committee Chair of the Essay Contest Rhon Connor said. “As Optimists, it is our goal to encourage them and do what we can to bring out the best in each of them. This gives them a wonderful opportunity to tap into their creativity and pursue possible scholarships at the same time.”

The essay should be between 400-500 words, type written and should be submitted to members of the Optimist Club of Anguilla no later than 26th January 2009.

Students wishing to participate in the essay contest can find out more about the contest by contacting their principals for an application form, or the Optimist club at 581-3332, or email rhonconnor@yahoo.com for more details. Applications can also be downloaded by visiting the website: http://www.optimist.org/Forms/ESSAY_RULES_PAD-E_08.pdf

* It is important that participants follow the rules and guidelines on the application form.