Jackson Helms, a senior at Union Academy, recently won the Weddington Optimist Club’s essay contest based on a theme of “When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?”

Helms was awarded a $100 first place prize for the honor. In addition, the essay will be sent to the district level to be judged along with winners from other Optimist Clubs in the district. College scholarships are available for top winners at the district level.

“Jackson Helms did a wonderful job of articulating this year’s theme.  He expressed himself well through the essay and deserved the honor of first place,” Club President Mary Ann Maxson said.

Second and third place winners, Sydney Ayers and Annaliese Winnail, received $75 and $50 awards respectively.

The Optimist Club of Weddington has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for 30 years and has been active in the community since 1980. Other programs and service projects that the Club is involved in include an Oratorical contest, Computer Scholarships, Breakfast with Santa, and Improved Student Party.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with 80,000 adult and youth members in 2,500 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and throughout the world. Carrying the Mission Statement “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year.

To learn more about The Weddington Optimist Club, please call (980) 328-5700 or visit our website at www.weddington-optimist.org.