News – Optimist Club of Van Wert

07Apr 2026 by Greg Yinger

2026 Speech Contest Winners

The Optimist Club's annual oratorical contest was held on Wednesday Mar. 4 at CHP Home Care & Hospice. This year's topic was, "The Moment I Realized I Belonged - My Definition of Community." Students participating were (L-R) Aiden Bockwrath, Grayson Bennett, and Mackenna Germann from Lincolnview Jr. High School. Mackenzie Kreischer, Makala Miller, and Devin Berridge from Crestview Middle School finished first, second, and third.

07Apr 2026 by Greg Yinger

2026 Essay Contest Winners

Club News, Essay

The Optimist Club of Van Wert held its annual essay contest for the 2025-2026 school year, addressing the topic: “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.” Three local winners from Van Wert High School presented their winning essays and were honored at the Club meeting on March 12. Meah Johnson won first place and was awarded $300; Caroline Haggerty, second-place winner received $200, and third-place winner Savannah Johns was awarded $100. Johnson’s essay was advanced to the district level for further judging for a chance at college scholarships through Optimist International. The Optimist Club thanks Bitsi Clark, Kylee Moody, and Kate Kroeger for judging this year’s 46 essay entries from the local area schools.

14Jan 2026 by Greg Yinger

Optimist Scholarship

Club News, Scholarship

The Van Wert Optimist Club is awarding three scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each to top selected seniors from Crestview, Lincolnview, and Van Wert High Schools. Finalists will be determined in mid-April, and awards will be announced at the school's Senior Convocation. Application is due Friday, April 3, 2026, no later than 5:00 pm. The criteria are hours of community service through a church, nonprofit organization, or group, and a GPA of 2.0 or above. Two letters of recommendation and a copy of the student’s transcripts are also required. Apply Now

14Jan 2026 by Greg Yinger

Optimist Oratorical Contest

Club News, Oratorical

The annual Van Wert Optimist Club Oratorical Contest is set for Wednesday, Mar. 4, 6 p.m., at CHP Home Care & Hospice, 1159 Westwood Dr., Van Wert. Students will present a 4–5-minute speech on the topic, “The Moment I Realized I Belonged - My Definition of Community.” Students under age 19 as of Oct. 1, are eligible to participate. There is no minimum age. Prizes of $300, $200, and $100 will be awarded for the top three contestants with the chance to move on and win scholarships of $2,500 up to $22,500. Download an application.

14Jan 2026 by Greg Yinger

Optimist Essay Contest

Club News, Essay

The Optimist Club Essay Contest is open to all Van Wert County students who are under the age of 19 as of October 1 and are not enrolled as a degree seeking student of a post-secondary institution. There is no minimum age. The topic for this year is ““How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.” Entry deadline is February 12. Local winners will receive medallions, along with cash awards of $300 (first place), $200 (second place) and $100 (third place). The Club winner’s essay advances to the district contest to compete for up to $3,500 in scholarships. Download application

13May 2025 by Greg Yinger

Scholarship Winners

Club News, Scholarship

The Optimist Club of Van Wert presented its annual Service Award scholarships to local graduating high school seniors in recognition of volunteer community service. The winners of this year's $2,000 scholarships are Lauren Anspach from Lincolnview, and Quinn Tomlinson and Dakotah Nihiser (not present) from Crestview. Congratulations and best wishes on your future plans!!

13Mar 2025 by Greg Yinger

Optimist Service Scholarship

Club News, Scholarship

The Optimist Club of Van Wert is seeking applications for its annual service award scholarship. Three $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from Crestview, Lincolnview, and Van Wert high schools. (Vantage students from these home schools are also eligible). The criteria are hours of community service through a church, nonprofit organization, or group, and a GPA of 2.0 or above. Two letters of recommendation and a copy of the student’s transcripts are required. Click the link to download an application or pick one up in the guidance or administration office at your school. Application deadline is Fri. Apr. 11, 2025. https://optimistvw.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Optimist-Scholarship-Application_2025.pdf

12Mar 2025 by Greg Yinger

2025 Speech Contest Winners

Club News, Oratorical

The Van Wert Optimist Club's annual oratorical contest was held on Mar. 5 at CHP Home Care & Hospice addressing the topic, "How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times." This year's winners are Ben Verville, a sophomore from Van Wert High School, and Jessica Faller and Nora Linton, eighth graders from Lincolnview Jr. High. Theo Anderson, Josilyn Neiberg, Bella Mosier, Dimitri Linser, and Quinn Kiracofe also represented Lincolnview Jr. High. The top two move on to the zone competition for the opportunity to compete for scholarships in the district and possibly, national, and international contests through Optimist International.

12Mar 2025 by Greg Yinger

2025 Essay Contest Winners

Club News, Essay

The winners of the 2025 Optimist Essay contest are Mandy Burenga, Katie Kramer, and Maria Parrish. The topic for this year was, "How Optimism Helped Pave the Way for My Success." Prizes of $300, $200, and $100 were awarded to the respective winners at the Mar. 6 Optimist Club meeting. The first-place essay was sent on to the district level competition, for a chance at college scholarships through the Great Ohio District of Optimist International. The Optimist Club of Van Wert expresses its thanks to Bitsi Clark, Kylee Moody, and Paul Cearns for judging this year's entries.

10Jan 2025 by Greg Yinger

2025 Speech Contest

Club News, Oratorical

The annual Van Wert Optimist Club Oratorical Contest is set for Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025, 6 p.m., at CHP Home Care & Hospice. Van Wert County students will present a 4–5-minute speech on the topic, “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times." Students under age 19 as of Oct. 1, 2024, are eligible to participate. There is no minimum age. Prizes of $300, $200, and $100 will be awarded for the top three contestants with the chance to move on and win scholarships of $2,500 up to $22,500. Deadline to enter is Feb. 28. Click HERE to download an application.