The Optimist Club of Southfield-Lathrup Village is sponsoring a youth essay contest to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person's personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win prizes.

This year’s topic is “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me” 

Club Recognitions and Awards will be presented to the winning essays as follows: 

• 1st Place - $500.00
• 2nd Place - $300.00
• 3rd Place - $100.00

The First Place winning essay will enter the Michigan District Contest and compete for a $2,500 College Scholarship in the spring. The Second Place finisher will receive   a $1,500 Scholarship, and the Third Place finisher will receive a $1,000 Scholarship! 

Qualifications: Youth under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2025, who live, attend school, or are in a youth mentoring program in Southfield or Lathrup Village, who have not yet completed secondary school. There is no minimum age. 

Application and contest rules can be found online at https://www.southfield-lathrupvillageoptimists.org/youth-programs or contact the Optimist Club of Southfield-Lathrup Village by email at slvoptimist@gmail.com 

The deadline for submission of the application and essay is Saturday, January 31, 2026. Applicants should submit all entries (3 separate documents: application, essay cover page, and essay) by email to: slvoptimist@gmail.com 

The Optimist Club of Southfield-Lathrup Village is made up of local volunteers and community leaders and has serviced the communities of Southfield and Lathrup Village since May 8, 1979. With the motto “Friend of Youth” and a vision to provide hope and positive vision to bring out the best in the community, particularly local youth, the Club promotes special programs and activities throughout the year.

For more information, contact the Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club by email at slvoptimist@gmail.com, or visit www.southfield-lathrupvillageoptimists.org.