Juniors Brianna Lacayo, Matthew Kiernan and Townson Cocke collected $500, $300 and $200, respectively, for winning the essay contest jointly sponsored by the Optimist Club of Alexandria and the English Department.

Their essays addressed the topic, “When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?” as part of the annual Optimist International Essay Contest for the 2018-2019 school year.

The first place essay from each Optimist Club in the Capital Virginia District of Optimist International will compete for a $2,500 college scholarship.

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

The Optimist Club of Alexandria has been participating in the Optimist International Essay Contest for many years and has been active in the community since 1946. Other Optimist Club programs and service projects include an oratorical contest, awards for outstanding Alexandria middle school performing arts students, programs honoring outstanding Alexandria vocational arts and International Academy students, collection of warm hats and gloves for needy Alexandria students and support for community organizations that tutor and mentor children.  This year, the Club also honored two Alexandria Police Officers who serve as School Resource Officers at T. C.