Four students from Miami Lakes Middle School were picked as the winners for the Optimist International Essay contest, and the first place recipient and runner-up will compete for the grand prize of a $2,500 college scholarship.
The school joined forces with Optimist International, the governing body for the Optimist Club of Miami Lakes, for the contest thanks to teacher Denise Cueto who was instrumental in getting the students to write an essay on the topic of “Where are my roots of Optimism.”
Aishat Fatusi won first place in the contest, followed by Kristen Moye, who was the runner-up, Romaine Bennett finished third and Estrella Guzman came in fourth place.
Fatusi and Moye qualified to compete in the Optimist International South Florida District competition in Miami Springs, where the top winner receives $2,500.
The experience helps students enhance their public speaking skills and the opportunity to earn money for college.
Longtime Miami Lakes Optimist Club member Jim Hamilton said he hopes more students will compete next year.
“It’s a great way to gain experience on public speaking and the opportunity to win money for college,” he said.
To apply for the next year’s contest, call 305-216-9615.