Optimist Club of Knoxville

Henry Naff Scholarship

Henry Naff was a dentist and charter member of the Optimist Club of Knoxville. Naff saw the need of providing financial support to local students in continuing their education. Recipients are selected based on need, academics, and service to the community. The number of awarded scholarships and  amounts can vary depending on funds raised, but the club awarded six $1,500 scholarships. The 2023 deadline is March 10, 2023.

Please click the here to download the 2023 application.

Essay Contest

The Essay Contest is for students under 18 as of October 1 of the competition year and who are educated in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean. Students must compose a 700 – 800 word essay around a central idea.

In additional to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship. First, second, and third place winners at our Knoxville Club contest will receive $500, $250, and $125, respectively. The first place winner’s essay will automatically be entered in the District contest, where the prize is a $2,500 college scholarship.

For more information about the Essay Contest, please visit the Optimist International site here.

If you are interested in competing in this contest, please read our invitation letter and inquire with your school’s guidance counselor about participation.

Oratorical Contest

The Oratorical Contest is for students under 18 as of October of the competition year and who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. Students will have to prepare a 4-5 minute speech on a pre-assigned topic.

In addition to developing skills in public speaking, participants also have the opportunity to win several college scholarships. For more information, please visit the Optimist International site here.

To find out how to request more information on local contests in your area, please click here.