This is the fourth most popular program among Optimists with over 1,200 Clubs participating in 2008-2009. The Essay contest is sponsored by Optimist International 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 additional to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity win a college scholarship of up to $5,000! The essay contest awards $44,000 annually in scholarships.

The guidelines require that contestants be under age 19 as of December 31 of the 2009-2010 school year, however, the Sandy Optimist Club works through the Freshman English class at Sandy High School to determine it's winner. Club winners advance to the District contest to compete for a $2500 college scholarship.  Each District winner is automatically entered into the International Essay contest where a panel of judges select the top three essays. Scholarships are awarded as follows: first place-$5,000; second place-$3,000; and third place-$2,000. In addition to the scholarship, the first-place winner will receive an expense-paid trip with his/her parents to the 2010 Optimist International Convention.

2010’s Topic is: "The Internet: Today's Evolution or Tomorrow's Menace?"