Essay Contest
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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 addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win college scholarships!
Club Level Scholarships:
1st Place - $200 * 2nd Place - $100
One District Scholarship of $2,500 is awarded!
Oratorical Contest
Beginning in 1928, the Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program of Optimist International. The contest is designed for young people to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with an opportunity to compete for multiple college scholarships with a pre-assigned topic.
Club Level Scholarships:
1st Place - $200 * 2nd Place - $100
District Scholarships:
1st place - $2,500 * 2nd place - $1,500 * 3rd Place - $1,000
with a chance to win up to $22,500 at the
World Championships level!!
St. Andrew's Parks and Playground's Youth Sports
The West Ashley Optimist Club maintains a longstanding partnership with St. Andrew’s Parks and Playground, particularly in its support of their youth sports initiatives. In recognition of our club's past contributions, the softball field bears our name. We are proud to continue this collaboration through ongoing team and outfield sign sponsorships, as both our organizations are dedicated to providing programs that bring out the best in the youth of West Ashley.
St. Andrew's Parks Legacy Foundation
Scholarship Golf Tournament
We believe in the power of play, which is why we are honored to sponsor the St. Andrew’s Parks Legacy Foundation Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Because 100% of the tournament’s proceeds go directly to families in need, our sponsorship helps bridge the gap for those unable to afford recreational programs on their own. We are proud to help ensure that every child has the chance to participate in summer camps, youth sports, swimming lessons, and afterschool activities.
For more information
Bridges of Hope
Shannon’s Hope Camp is a free grief camp for children and teens that provides compassionate support during one of the hardest seasons a family can face. Since the program’s inception in 1989, the West Ashley Optimist Club has been a dedicated sponsor, a partnership rooted in our shared commitment to the well-being and development of local youth. As one of the longest-running bereavement camps in the country, Shannon’s Hope is a vital resource that caregivers trust, and we are honored to continue our long-standing support, ensuring that every child who attends leaves feeling less alone, more understood, and better equipped to cope. Bridges of Hope oversees Shannon's Hope and other bereavement programs.
For more information visit https://www.bridgessc.org/
Charles B. Carlisle Scholarship
The West Ashley Optimist Club is proud to offer the 2027 Charles B. Carlisle Scholarship to support local students pursuing higher education. This $2,000 award is available to members of the high school Senior Class of 2027 who have been accepted to a four-year college or university and reside in zip codes 29407 or 29414.
Selected based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement, this scholarship provides $1,000 per semester during your freshman year.
You will need the following to complete your application:
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High school transcript and SAT/ACT scores.
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A statement on financial need and your plan for financing college.
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A record of your extracurricular and community activities.
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Two letters of recommendation (one from a faculty member).
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A 150–300 word essay.
Applications are due May 1st
Application link coming soon!
