The Optimist Club of Delavan has announced the winners of its annual Poster Contest, held this year under the theme “How I Can Show Optimism in My Community.” One winner was selected in each of two grade divisions—3rd and 4th graders, and 5th and 6th graders—during the club’s regular meeting on Thursday, March 12.

The contest was coordinated by Debbie Woiwode, who oversaw the project and guided the review process. Optimist Club members evaluated the student submissions and cast votes to determine the winners. Each winner received a $25 prize in recognition of their work.

The Poster Contest is one of the Optimist Club’s longstanding youth initiatives, designed to encourage students to reflect on the values of optimism, service and community leadership. Each year, the theme challenges participants to think creatively about how they can make a positive impact in their schools, neighborhoods and daily interactions. Teachers across the district help promote the contest, and many incorporate the theme into classroom discussions about kindness, responsibility, and civic engagement. Club members noted that the contest continues to grow in both participation and artistic depth, with students offering thoughtful interpretations of what optimism looks like in action.

In the 3rd and 4th grade division, Lacey Fann earned top honors with a poster depicting a tree “rooted in kindness,” its branches extending outward to represent Family, Community, Nature and Friends.

In the 5th and 6th grade division, Nora Harland was selected as the winner for her illustration of a chain of people holding hands, each figure expressing messages of hope, love, community and family.

The Optimist Club expressed appreciation for all participating students and emphasized that the creativity and thoughtfulness displayed in this year’s entries reflect the many ways young people help build a more optimistic community.