Two Midway High School seniors earned awards and scholarships though two contests held by Optimist Club International.
Senior Kayla Bush won the district competition for the annual essay contest. The essay contest theme was “Is Optimism the Key to Achieving the Dreams you iMagine?.” Her win comes with a $2,500 scholarship. Bush said she plans to attend Baylor University.
I don’t have a specific career in mind right now,” she said, “but I plan to focus on theatre and Spanish as my majors. My first year at Baylor I just want to stay open to all the opportunities that may come my way.”
Bush also received a $500 scholarship from The Optimist Club of Waco. She was scheduled to read her essay and receive prizes at a club meeting, but the event was cancelled due to coronavirus.
While students have advanced from local to the district level, Bush is the first student sponsored by The Optimist Club of Waco to win at district.
“This is the first district winner we have ever had in any contest,” Optimist Club Treasurer Greg Howell said. We are so proud of her.
In addition to the essay contest, there is a separate competition for public speaking. Adia West won the local oratorical contest and advanced to district. The contest theme was “Just iMagine a World without Boundaries.”
Normally, West would travel to the city where district is held, but due to coronavirus, the event was held online using Zoom on May 16. West did not place at district but fared well among the 13 contestants, according to Howell. She will also receive a $500 scholarship for the local win. West plans to attend Creighton University in Nebraska and double major in political science and history.
