Now is the time to begin preparations for your Club’s Essay Contest. If your Club does not currently have an Essay Contest you should start participating. This is a great opportunity to give the youth in your area writing experience as well as a chance for a $2,500 scholarship. Your Club needs only one member to participate but several members can participate if they are available.

The Club chairperson first becomes familiar with the rules and sets the dates for the contest to begin and end. He or she then gives the applications to schools, churches and other places where you serve youth in your area. The chairperson then selects three qualified judges who are not acquainted with the writers of the essays to pick the top three essays from all of the essays received. At the Club level, the judges may be Optimist Club members. Finally, the Club chairperson delivers the Club’s winning essay to the District Chairperson.

Cost

∙ A $10.00 fee to South Texas District is required.

∙ Each Club may award medallions to their winners. These are optional and cost about $20.00.

∙ Other awards are permitted at the Club level. Details are in the Club Chair’s rules.

Benefits

∙ Participants get experience writing the essays.

∙ The District winner receives a Scholarship of $2,500.00.

∙ The Club has an opportunity for a meeting program. Invite the three winners to a meeting to read their essays and receive their awards. Also, invite their parents to attend. They may join your club.

Summary of Key Items

The official topic for 2017-2018 is “Can Society Function Without Respect?".

The essay contest is open to students under age 19 who have not yet graduated from high school.

 The Club winning essay along with the other required documents and the $10.00 District fee must be received by the District contest chair on or before February 28, 2018.

Clubs that do not have access to the Internet should contact the District Chair, Greg Lester, at
(281) 597-1300 and leave your name, mailing address and a message requesting a copy of the rules and the application.

Application Form - Click Here (2016-2017)

Club Chairs - full contest rules, guidelines and forms. Click here (2016-2017)

PRIOR SOUTH TEXAS DISTRICT ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

    
                                                                             
                                                              

2017-2018 Topic
“Can Society Function Without Respect?"

THE DISTRICT ESSAY CONTEST WINNER WILL RECEIVE A
$2,500 SCHOLARSHIP