Fairfax Optimist Club member Roger Martin, right, presents a check to Amelia Larson, middle, for her winning essay. Jonnie Kemerling, Fairfax R-3 English teacher, left, is also pictured. (Submitted photo)

Optimist International sponsors an essay contest each year which starts at the local club level. The theme this year was “Optimism: How it Connects Us.” Mrs. Jonnie Kemerling, Fairfax R-3 English teacher, had all of her students in grades 7-12 complete the essay contest.

The judges were impressed by all of the outstanding essays. The Fairfax Optimist Club has never had so many essays to judge and were thrilled to see all of the talent that our students have.

The winner for the local Fairfax Optimist Club was Amelia Larson, who came to a club meeting and read her essay. She also received a check for her winning essay submission. Her essay now moves on to the district level to be judged.

The Fairfax Optimist Club meets every Tuesday morning in the back room at the Daybreak Cafe in Fairfax, Missouri, at 6:30 a.m. to discuss and plan activities to support youth in growing to be productive and positive citizens.