Emily Zgonc, a Hamilton High School junior, recently participated in the 2025 Menomonee Falls Optimist Club Essay contest. The essay topic was “How Optimism has Paved my Road to Success.”
Zgonc was awarded first place at the Wisconsin District competition, receiving a first place medal and a $2500 scholarship. She advanced to the District competition after taking first place in the local Optimist Club’s contest in February.
Zgonc is the first Hamilton High School student to place in the District competition.
Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with 80,000 adult and youth members in 2,500 clubs throughout the world. Its mission is “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year.