Emma Stein wins essay contest

Emma Stein, a senior at Pea Ridge High School, recently won the Optimist Club of Pea Ridge’s essay contest based on a theme of “When all the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary.”

Stein was awarded a $150 scholarship for the honor. In addition, the essay will be sent to the district level to be judged along with winners from other Optimist Clubs in the district. College scholarships are available for top winners at the district level.

“Stein did a wonderful job of articulating this year’s theme. She expressed herself well through the essay and deserved the honor of first place,” club president John Lasater said.

The Optimist Club of Pea Ridge has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for several years and has been active in the community since 2005. Other programs and service projects that the Club is involved in include the Avenue of Flags, supporting the Heart and Sole shoe drive and sponsoring the PRHS Scholarship Program.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with 93,000 adult and youth members in 3,200 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico and throughout the world. Carrying the Mission Statement “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, please call (314) 371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www. optimist.org.