Garner Optimist Essay Contest

Win up to $2500 for Higher Education

2027 Essay Contest

The Garner Optimist Club is excited to offer the opportunity for local students to win cash prizes and, up to $2500 towards their college expenses.

The topic for 2027 is “Finding My Voice in a World Full of Noise.”

Essays must be submitted by January 29th, 2027.

Local students must be under 19 years of age and have permanent residence in the following Garner ZIP codes: 27529, 27610, 27603.

Essays must be between 700-800 words and will be subject to AI screening.

2026 Garner Optimist Essay Contest Winners

The 2026 Essay Contest topic was: “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me”!

The winners were:

1st Place – Christa Skye Sawyer (won $500 cash from the Garner Optimist Club and, she won the North Carolina East District Essay Finals which earned a $2500 scholarship from the Optimist International Foundation!)

2nd Place – Noriah Hoffman (won $250 cash)

3rd Place – Masyn Pittman (won $100 cash)

Congratulations!!!