Lamoni Students Honored in Optimist International Essay Contest
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThe Optimist Club of Lamoni and local chapter President Julie McElroy are pleased to recognize the winners of the 2025-2026 Optimist International Essay Contest. This annual competition provides young people the opportunity to share their opinions on the world and develop essential skills in written expression.
This year's topic, "How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me," encouraged students to reflect on their personal experiences and the impact of service within their hometown.
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Winners:
| Place | Student | Essay Title | Award |
| 1st Place | Reese Roberts | "How I Learned the True Meaning of Community" | $100 check, Gold Medallion, and advancement to State |
| 2nd Place | Darsey Dredge | "Changing Lives One Small Town at a Time" | $50 check and Award Certificate |
| 2nd Place | Quinn Hosie | "Volunteering Changes Lives" | $50 check and Award Certificate |
| 3rd Place | Terran Doty | "Acts of Service" | $25 check and Award Certificate |
Next Steps for Our Winner
As the first-place winner, Reese Roberts has earned the chance to compete at the State level for a $2,500 college scholarship, funded by the Optimist International Foundations.
Special Thanks
The school district extends its gratitude to Sarah Jaeger for her essential role in coordinating with the Optimist Club at Lamoni Middle School, and to Garnet Coulthard, the Essay Contest Chair, for supporting our students’ academic and civic growth.