Building resilience and thinking positively is important, but can it literally pay to be optimistic? For three thoughtful local high school students, the answer is yes.
Students from George C. Marshall and James Madison High Schools won monetary prizes recently for writing insightful essays on the topic of “How an Optimistic Mindset Changes my Tomorrow”, courtesy of the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna.
Nate Goss
Nate Goss, a freshman at James Madison High School, earned $1,000 for first place honors; Mayra Rios, a junior at James Madison High School, snared $600 for a second-place prize; and Angel Samsuhadi, a senior at George C. Marshall High School, took home $400 for a third-place award.
Goss’s essay moves on to the Optimist International Organization’s District competition, where it could possibly win a $2,500 college scholarship.
“I look forward to the essay contest every year because I love seeing firsthand how talented the students are at conveying their optimism about the future,” Dan Irvine, essay contest chair, said.
The Optimist Club of Greater Vienna supports area youth through its mission of “Bringing Out the Best in Kids”.
To help generate money for the scholarships the Optimists provide, the Club runs several fundraisers through the year, such as the upcoming annual Vienna Farmers Market and the annual Christmas tree sale at the Vienna Giant, plus more.
The Optimist Club of Greater Vienna is a 100% (501c3) organization and one of 2,500 Optimist Clubs worldwide.
For more about the Club, its programs, and memberships, visit www.optimistclubofgreatervienna.org or www.facebook.com/Viennaoptimists
Mayra Rios, James Madison High School
Angel Samsuhadi, George C. Marshall High School