MONROE — Three students were recognized at a Monroe Morning Optimist Club meeting for their entries to the essay contest based on a theme of “Is optimism the key to achieving the dreams you imagine?” 

Ryan Mathiason, son of Sam and Ellen Mathiason, was awarded $150 for his first-place winning essay. Skye Dickson, daughter of Mark and Katy Dickson, received $100 for her second-place essay. Rebekah Rath, daughter of Phil and Greta Rath, won $50 for her third-place essay.

As the first-place local winner, Ryan Mathiason’s essay was sent to the district level to be judged along with winners from other Optimist Clubs in the district. College scholarships in the amount of $2,500 are awarded to top winners at the district level. 

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. For information and to join the Monroe Morning Optimist Club, visit http://monroeoptimistclubs.com/ or go to the Monroe Morning Optimists Facebook page.

Due to COVID-19, the Monroe Morning Optimist Club is not currently meeting. They will return to their regular schedule meeting every Thursday morning from 6:30-7:30 a.m. at the Swiss Alps Restaurant once social distancing restrictions have been removed. All meetings are open to the public.