OPTIMIST CLUBS HOLD ESSAY CONTEST

The Optimist Club of Jackson and the Noon Optimist Club of Jackson recently held their annual essay contest at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

The theme was "Where would I be without freedom?".

Winners of this year's event were Ben Richard Statler, first place; Justin Thompson, second place; and Jennifer Watson, third place.

Statler, as the first place winner, will advance to district competition.

Students participated from the Jackson and Oak Ridge High Schools, as well as St. Paul Lutheran and Immaculate Conception schools in Jackson.

All participants and their parents were guests at a banquet held Jan. 25, where the winners were announced and medals and certificates were awarded.

Chris Warren, a teacher at Jackson High School, assisted chairpersons Phyllis Tallent and Jim Woeltje with the contest.