MADISON –Optimist Club of Madison recognized the winning authors in its annual essay and oratorical contests at the April 6 meeting of Madison Board of Education. 

The top writers were Megan Sheehan in first place from Bob Jones High School; Shandi Burrows, second; Ryan Williams, third, Bob Jones; and Olivia Mullinix, fourth, James Clemens High School.

Winners in the oratorical contest for girls were Meenakshi Bhooshanan in first place and Audrey Harper in second. For the boys, Ryan Williams was first-place writer, followed by Grey Vandenberg in second place. 

The youth received certificates and prizes from Optimist members. Winners of these contests are eligible for prizes up to $2,500 in the Alabama-Mississippi District and up to $15,000 in national competition.

“Madison Optimist Club also enthusiastically thanks Bob Jones High School faculty sponsors Brandi Panagos and Leah Ferris, and Alisha Mendes at James Clemens High School” for their assistance in organizing the contest, Optimist spokesperson Vic van Leeuwen said.

An Optimist Club is dedicated to “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.” Adult volunteers conduct positive service projects in the Madison community aimed at providing a helping hand to help young people to be the best that they can be.

Madison Optimist Club meets monthly on first and third Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Best Western, 9035 Madison Blvd. 

Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization with more than 2,500 local clubs. “Members work to make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, in their communities and in themselves,” van Leeuwen said.

For more information, visit optimist.org or Facebook/Optimist Club of Madison.