Although the Optimist Club of Perdido Bay has had to adjust some of its events in the past year, they participated in two yearly events hosted by Optimist International, the Essay and Oratorical contests.

This year’s winners of the Essay Contest are Elberta Middle School students Hartley Gunderson, Gold; Riley Anne Pugh, Silver and Avery Pickle, Bronze. Hartley went on to the District competition. This year’s theme was “Reaching Your Dreams by Choosing Optimism.”

The 2021 Oratorical Contest winners are Ashton Haygood, Gold; Analeigh Behrendsen, Silver and Mia Edwards, Bronze. Ashton placed third in the district competition. The theme was “Healing the World with Optimism.” All are students at Elberta High School.