1. The contest will be held at the Club level, and is sponsored by the Optimist Club of New Ulm. Entrants must be from the New Ulm, MN area (either living or attending school within 25 miles of New Ulm).

2. Photographers must be in Grades 1 through 12 (based on 2025-2026 school year). Winners will be chosen in two age divisions: Grades 1-6 and Grades 7-12.

3. An entry form must be completed for each entry and attached to the back of the entry, and signed by the photographer and parent(s) or guardian(s).

4. Photos may be any of these sizes: 4” x 6”, 5” x 7”, or 8” x 10”, black and white or color photo. NO photo-shopping or filter enhancements should be used, other than basic cropping of the photo. Do not fold photos or mats. Be sure to protect the photo by placing it between two pieces of thin cardboard. Mark all envelopes “DO NOT BEND”

5. Photos should be matted, with “The Optimist Creed” verse/line stated clearly on the front of the mat frame, so judges will know what the photo is to exemplify. No identifying information should be included within the photograph, nor on the mat. The photographer’s name and other identifying information, including the entry form, must be attached to the back of the photo entry.

6. To increase the number of entered photos, each student photographer may submit more than one photo, up to two. However, no contestant may be awarded prizes for more than one photo.

7. Deadline to submit photos is 5:00pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Photos must be sent via mail or delivered to:

Liz Altmann – Photo Contest Chair
Optimist Club of New Ulm
815 11th North Street
New Ulm, MN 56073

8. Blind judging will be by members of the Optimist Club of New Ulm. There will be a monetary award for the top 5 winners in each age category:

1st place: $75
2nd place: $50
3rd place: $40
4th place: $30
5th place: $25

A People’s Choice award from all entries will receive a cash prize of $50. Entries will be displayed at the New Ulm Public Library Children’s Room after contest and during the People’s Choice voting.

Any questions should be directed to Liz Altmann at: nuoptimist@gmail.com