Rusek is 2023 Optimist Club Essay Winner

La Grange’s Lila Brooke Rusek, right, was the winner of this year’s Optimist Club Essay Contest, beating out 26 other entries. Last Wednesday she read her winning essay at the monthly Optimist board meeting before Optimist President Ryan Steele presented her with a $500 check for winning. Rusek’s essay has now been sent to the district contest for a chance of winning a $2,500 scholarship. This year’s essay topic was “Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings Out the Optimism in You?” Her essay focused on local Vet Dr. Daniel Welch. Photo by Jeff Wick