The Perry Optimist Club honored the winners of the 2024 Optimist Club essay contest at an award banquet Wednesday night at the Hotel Pattee in downtown Perry.
The theme of the 2024 essay was “Optimism fosters connections,” and first place was captured by Perry High School senior Erika Guardado, whose composition will now enter regional competition.
PHS senior Jennifer Ramos took second place, and seniors Kain Killmer and Mia Munoz tied for third place. All the essayists were presented with medals and certificates by Perry Optimist Club member Linda Andorf.
The students composed their essays in a DMACC English class taught by longtime PHS instructor Linda Kaufman.
