Janice LaBarbera (left), president of the Optimist Club of Washington, awarded a $250 scholarship to Washington High School senior Lee Pinkham for his winning essay on this theme: “How my positive outlook benefits my community.” Pinkham, who has been at UNC-Wilmington and Appalachian State University, plans to study criminal justice. He is the son of Valinda and Troy Pinkham of Washington. If you have a photo that you would like to share in the Daily News, please email it along with a description to yourtake@wdnweb.com. (Submitted Photo/Patty Peebles)