Youth Essay Contest
The 2024-2025 Essay Contest is open for entries. This year’s topic is “How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success,” and entries are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025. Cash prizes are available!
The contest is open to students under age 19 (as of October 1, 2024) who have not yet graduated from high school. To apply through the Optimist Club of Calvert, students must attend a school in the Optimist Club of Calvert-Prince Frederick region (Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Sunderland, Owings, Dunkirk, Huntingtown, Prince Frederick, St. Leonard, Port Republic, Broomes Island). Students in the Lusby, Dowell, and Solomons area, contact the Optimist Club of Solomons to enter their contest.
2024-25 Optimist Essay Contest Application
Youth Fishing Derby
The Club sponsors a fishing tournament open to kids up to 18 years of age. Held at a local Calvert County farm, contestants are provided bait and the opportunity to catch the largest individual fish and the most number of fish between 8 a.m. – 12 pm. Hot dogs and drinks are provided and a great time is had by all. Prizes are awarded by age group at the end of the day.
Halloween Trunk or Treat
Each year, on the Sunday before Halloween, the Club hosts a trunk or treat for the community.
As part of the Optimist International (OI) program for Youth Appreciation, the Club (with the cooperation of the guidance counselors), chose 10 seniors from each school to be recognized as the ‘Outstanding Youth of Calvert County’. These students participate in the Board of County Commissioners’ Proclamation for Youth Appreciation Week and are given a behind-the-scenes tour of the County Courthouse, the court system, the 911 Center, and the Maryland State Police Barracks in Prince Frederick. A Banquet is held each year to honor and recognize these students and their achievements with their families and friends invited to attend.
Santa Night
On the second Wednesday evening of December each year, the Club hosts Santa Night in Prince Frederick. This children’s party features crafts including ornament making, snacks, Christmas music, and a visit with Santa.
Each year an Essay Contest open to all students in Calvert County under the age of 19 is sponsored. The subject of the essay is determined by Optimist International. The deadline for submission of Club essay entries is February 1st. At the Club level prizes are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of each age group. The winner of the high school division moves on to the Maryland South Delaware Optimist District competition, where a $2,500 scholarship is awarded to the winner. The topic for the 2024-25 school year is: “How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success.”
Oratorical Contest
The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship. The contest is open to students under age 19 who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent; however, the Calvert Club has traditionally held this contest for middle and high school students. The Calvert Club’s contest is traditionally held in March of each year.
Interested students prepare a 4 to 5-minute speech on the pre-assigned topic to be presented at the Optimist Club’s contest. The speeches are judged at the Club level with monetary and medallion awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place; at the Zone level with medallion awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place; and then at the District level 1st place winners receive a $2,500 scholarship. The deadline to submit District winners to Optimist International is June 15th. The topic for the 2024-25 school year is: “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times.”
Congratulations to Olivia Herrin, our Oratorical Contest 1st Place Winner who went on to win 2nd Place at the 2023 Maryland South Delaware District Optimist Oratorical Contest! Olivia won a $2,500 scholarship along with her plaque.
All youth and community activities are supported by the sale of Christmas Trees and Wreaths.
Career and Technology Education Achievement Awards
Congratulations to the Career And Technology Academy’s 2021/22 Junior Students of the Year! They were recognized as part of our newest program, the Career and Technology Education Achievement Awards.