Contributed

The Albemarle Optimist Club recently had its annual Optimist International Essay Scholarship Contest through the Stanly County high schools.

The essay contest is designed to develop writing and critical thinking skills. It requires students to compose a 700- to 800-word essay around a central idea or official topic. The official topic this year was, “When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?”

Graham Tucker, a senior at West Stanly High School, won the contest and a first place club level prize of $250.

His essay was entered in the N.C. West District essay competition, where the winner will receive a $2,500 college scholarship from Optimist International.

Graham is the son of Rebekah Carlyon and Wes and April Tucker of Oakboro.

— Albemarle Optimist Club