The annual Newark Optimist Club (Club #20261) Essay Contest is now underway. The club is encouraging Tri-City area students to contemplate the phrase:
“How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me”
The contest is now open to Newark, Fremont and Union City students who are under the age of 19 as of Oct. 1, 2025, and have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent. There is no minimum age requirement to enter the contest.
The top three club essays will receive cash prizes of $200, $100 or $50 and medallions, with the first-place essay advancing to the District Level competition for an opportunity to win a $2,500 college scholarship.
“The essay contest is designed to give local students the opportunity to write about their own opinions about the community and world in which they live,” chairman Darryl Reina said. “As Newark Optimists, it is our goal to bring out the very best in each of them.”
For an application and more information including details on the official rules, students may go to Optimist.org/documents/2025/programs/25-26_essay_application.pdf.
Completed essays and contest applications must be received by midnight on Jan. 18, 2026.
The essays and applications are to be sent via email to Darryl Reina, chairman, at da*******@*ol.com. For more info, call or text 510.917.4060.
Winners will be notified and recognized at a Newark Optimist Club breakfast meeting in Feb. 2026.
Newark Optimist Club Essay Contest
Deadline: Jan. 18, 2026 by midnight
