BROOKINGS — Eli Ellsworth, an eighth grader at George S. Mickelson Middle School, recently won the Optimist Club of Brookings’ essay contest based on a theme of “Optimism: How it Connects us”.

Ellsworth was awarded first-place 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.

“Ellsworth 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 Jan Stange said.

Second-place winner in the Essay contest was Awurama Dwomoh, while the third-place winner was Ty Harris.

The Optimist Club of Brookings has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for several years and has been active in the community. Other programs and service projects that the Club is involved in include Trout Extravaganza, Kite Festival, Bike Rodeo and Avenue of Flags.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest club organizations with 80,000 adult and youth members in 2,500 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Medico, 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 Optimist International, call 314-371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org.