Scholarships
The Optimist Club offers several college scholarships to entering freshmen through the club as well as through Optimist International. Some scholarships are given to winners of various contests such as oratorical and essay while others are given based on need, academics and service to the community.
Henry Naff Scholarship
Henry Naff was a dentist and charter member of the Optimist Club of Knoxville. Naff saw the need to provide 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 has typically awarded six $1,500 scholarships.
To be considered for the 2026 Henry Naff Optimist Club Scholarship, students should:
• Plan on attending college starting in the Fall of 2026
• Have a true financial need
• Possess a desire and ability to complete a college degree
• Actively involved in community and school activities
• Have performed well in high school scholastically
How to Apply: If you are homeschooled, you can print the form by using the download link below. If you are in a Knox County school, please see your guidance counselor and ask/reference it to be selected.
The 2026 deadline is March 8, 2026.
Download Homeschool 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. Topic for the 2025-2026 school year is: “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me”
How To Enter: Interested students must contact their local Optimist Club. They need to submit an essay on the pre-assigned topic. To find out a contact, please e-mail the Programs Department at programs@optimist.org.
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.
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.
