The Optimist Club of Delavan has announced Drew Robison as the winner of its annual Optimist International Essay Contest. Robison is pictured with club member Debbie Woiwode after receiving a $100 award for her essay, “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.”

In her essay, Robison reflects on the role community service has played in shaping her understanding of purpose and connection. She notes that Delavan High School’s graduation requirement for service hours encouraged her to seek out opportunities to give back, ultimately leading to experiences that left a lasting impact.

Robison highlights several of those efforts, including volunteering at a food pantry, assisting with Vacation Bible School, and participating in multiple mission trips. The mission work ranged from painting and building maintenance to constructing beds, landscaping, and helping with children’s programs. Through these experiences, she writes that she discovered a deeper sense of meaning in serving others — even those she had never met before — and found that acts of service helped her better understand the strength and value of community.

The Optimist International Essay Contest is one of the organization’s longest running youth programs, designed to encourage students to develop strong writing skills while reflecting on positive values. Each year, local clubs invite students to respond to a themed prompt, with top essays advancing to district and international competition. The Delavan Optimist Club participates annually as part of its mission to support and recognize young people who demonstrate leadership, character, and a commitment to service.

The club recognized Robison for both her thoughtful reflection and her dedication to helping others — qualities the organization strives to uplift in local youth.