Essay Contest

Each year an essay contest open to all students in Calvert county middle and high schools under the age of 19 is sponsored.  The deadline for submission of Club essay entries will be posted after January 1. The Club winner must be forwarded to the district level by February 28th.  At the Club level, prizes are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3^rd 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 2022-23 school year topic is: “Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings Out the Optimism in You?” Click here for an application and more information.

The contest is open to students under age 19 (as of October 1, 2022) who have not yet graduated from high school. Entries should be between 700 and 800 words in the format specified in the contest rules.

Please download the Essay Contest Application for more information, including the rules and entry form.

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 school students. The Calvert Club’s contest is traditionally held in February 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 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place; at the Zone level with medallion awards for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place; and then at the District level 1^st place winners receive a $2,500 scholarship. The deadline to submit District winners to Optimist International is June 15th.  The 2022-23 school year topic is: “Discovering the Optimism within Me.”

Youth Appreciation Week

As part of the Optimist International (OI) program for youth appreciation, the Optimist Club of Solomons partners with the Optimist Club of Calvert-Prince Frederick to recognize 10 seniors from each high school to be recognized as the “Outstanding Youth of Calvert County.” A Banquet is held each November to honor and recognize these students and their achievements with their families and friends invited to attend.

Easter Party and Egg Hunt

The Optimist Club of Solomons participates in two local Easter Celebrations. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Lusby, MD hosts an Easter celebration with an egg hunt, crafts, games, and storytelling. The Property Owners Association of the Chesapeake Ranch Estates hosts a traditional egg hunt.

Halloween Trunk or Treat

The Optimist Club of Solomons participates in two local Trunk or Treats: one held at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Lusby, MD, and the other is hosted by the Property Owners Association of the Chesapeake Ranch Estates.

Bike Rodeo

The Bike Rodeo is held in May in conjunction with National Bike Safety week. Learn bike safety, test your skills on the obstacle course and win prizes. Sponsored by Optimists Club of Solomons this is a great introduction to the importance of riding your bike safely and checking your bike is in good working condition.