Hamilton Students Place in Optimist Essay Contest

Students pictured: Lucas Vera Paez, Emmy Schmidt, and Maya Bynan. Photograph submitted.

Twenty eight students in the Hamilton District participated in the 2025 Sussex/Lannon/Lisbon/Butler Optimist Club Essay contest.  The essay topic was “How Optimism has Paved my Road to Success.” On Monday, March 10, in the Hamilton IMC, the winning essayists were awarded their medallions and scholarship checks.

First place is Emmy Schmidt.  She received the gold medallion and a check for $250. Emmy’s essay will continue to advance to the District level competition.

Second place is Maya Bynan.  She received the silver medallion and a check for $150.

Third place goes to Lucas Vera Paez.  He received the bronze medallion and a check for $100.

Congratulations to the winners and to all competitors!