The Lewiston/Auburn Optimist Club, the Tri-Town Optimist Club in Mechanic Falls and the Gray-New Gloucester Optimist Club are sponsoring an essay contest on the topic “Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings out the Optimism in You?”

The clubs’ winner will advance to the district contest. A $2,500 college scholarship prize will be awarded to the New York-New England district winner.

The contest gives young people the opportunity to develop their written skills and express their personal opinions about the world they live in, according to a news release from George Mathews of Auburn, an Optimist Club member.

Contest rules require the applicants to be younger than 19 as of Oct. 1, 2022, and attending school in the United States.

Contest essays are due to the Optimist Club by Tuesday, Feb. 14.

The winner of the New York-New England District $2,500 scholarship for the last two years was sponsored by the Maine L-A Optimist Club.

For an application and set of rules, contact any Optimist Club member, or contact Mathews at 207-783-5269 or gwmathews91@gmail.com or visit optimist.org.

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