Platteville Optimist Club
Youth Contests
Optimist Essay Contest
The Platteville Optimist Club invites youth under the age of 19 as of October 1 and who have not completed secondary school to participate in an essay contest that is held yearly in March. There is no minimum age.
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The essay topic for 2025-2026 year is: "How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me." Essays must be 700-800 words in length and applications must be postmarked or submitted by Friday, February 13, 2026. See the application packet for additional details.
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Our local level winners will receive $150 for First Place, $100 for Second Place and $50 for Third Place. First place winner will then move onto the District Level contest. The winning essay of the District Level essay will receive a plaque and a $2,500 scholarship.
Optimist Oratorical Contest
We invite youth throughout Southwest Wisconsin to participate in an oratorical contest that is held yearly in March. Click the link below for the application and other information.
The 2025-2026 contest topic is “The Moment I Realized I Belonged - My Definition of Community”. Completed applications should be postmarked or submitted by February 27, 2026. The contest will be held in Platteville with a tentative date of March 16,2026.
Our local level winners will receive $150 for First Place, $100 for Second Place and $50 for Third Place. Winners have the chance to move to Zone, District, Regional and World Championship levels. See cover letter in the packet for more information.
