Lake Orion Optimist Essay Winners. Left to Right: Sophia Lafayette, Essay Contest Chair; Grand Prize Winner, Emma Hartman (11th grade); Second Place winner, Amanda Weise (11th grade); Third Place winner, Breanne Dixon (12th grade) and Katherine Baumann, Board Member. All winners were from Lake Orion High School. The Essay Contest was established to give young people the opportunity to write about their opinion regarding the world in which they live. Emma Hartman was awarded $300 for the topic of “How my Positive Outlook Benefits My Community.” Emma advanced to the District contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. Please join us in congratulating Emma, Amanda and Breanne, as well as all of those that participated in the Essay Contest. Photo provided.