Optimistic UCS student earns entry into international competition

A Utica Community Schools ninth grader’s ability to persuade others about why optimism should be a priority has landed him on an international stage.

Bryan Michalek, of Henry Ford II High School, captured first place at both the Shelby Township and Michigan District rounds of the Optimist Club annual essay contest.

Michalek received the top district prize of a $2,500 scholarship and his essay will now be part of the international competition. He earned the honor for his 700-800 word essay on the topic: “Optimism Should Be a Priority.”

The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live.

The state scholarship is sponsored by past Michigan District Optimist governor Jan Oord Graves through the Optimist International Foundation.