Students from Arapahoe High School and Heritage High School took first through fourth place at the this year’s local Optimist Essay Contest for their well-written essays on the topic, “Lead by Example—Reality or Fiction.” The Optimist Club of Littleton hosted the local contest and is a division of the global organization Optimist International. Each year, Optimist International assigns an essay topic where students have the chance to compete at the local, district and international level.

Kimberly Shelton of Arapahoe High School was the club’s first place winner. Her essay will be forwarded to the district chairperson for consideration for further referral to Optimist International’s national level competition. The winner of the national-level essay contest will be awarded a $2,500 college scholarship.

Elizabeth Lebar and Julia Goncalves, both students at Arapahoe High School, were the club’s second and third place winners, respectively. Lindsay Parsons and Claire Jones of Arapahoe High School and Nikolas Logan of Heritage High School were honored for their essays in a three-way tie for fourth place.

All six winners will be honored at the club’s meeting on April 15, 2016. After receiving their awards they will be invited to read their essays to the club’s members and guests.