At a recent Newark Optimist Club breakfast meeting, members recognized American High School sophomore Rukmini Anantha for winning the annual Essay Contest sponsored by the Club. The topic this year was “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.”
Anantha volunteers at the Newark Library, and this was the topic she chose for her essay. “The library is magical because even after all these years families still make Saturday trips,” she wrote. “In this world that is forever changing, it remains steady, with invisible hands like myself. The library is still my place of discovery and magic, but working there has taught me to be grateful for the little things that are made possible by the dedicated people of my community.”
Anantha received a first place medal and $200 in cash for her winning entry. Her essay now advances to the District competition with an opportunity to win a $2,500 college scholarship.
