MONROE — Three students were recognized at the Monroe Morning Optimist Club meeting for their entries to the local Optimist Club’s essay contest based on a theme of “When All the 

World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?” 

Linnea Tabaka, daughter of John and Christine Tabaka was awarded $150 for her first place winning essay. Delaney Wickstrum, daughter of Don and Mary received $100 for his second place essay. Michelle Meyers, daughter of Michael and Tricia won $50 for her third place essay.

As the first-place local winner, Linnea Tabaka’s essay will be 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.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with 93,000 adult and youth members in 3,200 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and 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 Optimist International, call 314-371-6000 or visit www.optimist.org. For information, visit http://monroeoptimistclubs.com/ or go to the Monroe Morning Optimists Facebook page.