The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #8 11-19-25

VOLUME 2026    NOVEMBER 19    NUMBER 8

President Kelly Karl welcomed members and guests. He then gave the reflection which was followed by the flag salute.

Kelly turned the program over to Sharon Fincham for the Youth of the Month presentations.

Sharon welcomed students, teachers, parents, and principals from Manhattan Catholic Schools and Ogden Elementary.

Our first Youth of the Month recipient was introduced by Mike Fincham. Leanna S. is nine years old and in the fourth grade at Ogden Elementary. She was nominated by her teachers Lauryn Peterman and Ellie Haines. Leanna’s favorite subject is math. She likes to crochet and enjoys playing soccer. Leanna wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Here is what her teachers said about Leanna in their nominating letter: “We are thrilled to be nominating Leanna for the Optimist award. Leanna embodies kindness and friendship in everything she does. She is a friend to everyone she meets, consistently adding positivity and support to our classroom community. Her genuine caring nature and her ability to make others feel that they belong in our class family inspire everyone to be compassionate and inclusive. Leanna’s willingness to lend a helping hand, along with her bright spirit and positive attitude encourage her peers to persevere through challenges and believe in their abilities. She is a wonderful student, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her in our classes this year!”. Congratulations Leanna!

Our second recipient of the Youth of the Month award from Ogden elementary was introduced by Sharon Fincham. Brithany H. is ten years old and in the fifth grade. Her nickname is “Briny”. Briny loves to draw and wants to be an artist. Her favorite subject is art. Briny was nominated by her teacher, Robert Brown. Here is what Mr. Brown said in his nominating letter: “I am very excited to nominate Briny H. to be the Optimist Youth of the Month. Briny is very kind, patient, and fun to be around. When she is absent from school, students and staff alike ask about her and her presence is missed. This shows just how much joy she brings to the fifth grade and entire school of Ogden. Briny is a quick learner and is improving in her self-advocacy skills. Where she used to struggle asking for help, she’s improving a lot. I’m very proud of the fine young lady Briny is growing up to be and think she is very deserving of this award!” Congratulations Briny!

 

 

Our first Youth of the Month recipient from Manhattan Catholic School was introduced by Mark Locke. River S. is ten years old and in the fourth grade. River enjoys playing basketball, riding his bicycle and swimming. His favorite band is The Beetles. River was nominated by his teachers Linda Duckworth and Julie Jueneman. Here is what they said about River: “River is a young man who has shown tremendous growth this year. He puts forth great effort every day and has a genuine desire to improve and do his best. River has worked hard to manage strong emotions and has shown he can handle challenges and mistakes with maturity and perseverance. He consistently puts effort into doing his best on assignments and has maintained A’s and B’s throughout the year. River is respectful to his teachers and has learned to take pride in his hard work and accomplishments. We are so proud of the progress he has made – especially in developing such a positive attitude and strong work ethic.” Congratulations River!

 

The second Youth of the Month recipient from Manhattan Catholic Schools was introduced by Vera Hintz. Marley L. is six years old and in the first grade. She loves to color and do arts and crafts. She also enjoys dancing and softball. Marley was nominated by her teacher Heather Bishop. Here is what Ms. Fischer wrote in her nominating letter: “Marley is a kind and thoughtful girl. She leads her life with integrity. She always offers to share with other students and help anyone who needs it. At recess Marley will play with anyone. She doesn’t judge others, but accepts all kids. Marley offers to help in the classroom by cleaning up or doing anything that needs to be done. It is great to have Marley in our class! She makes it a better place for everyone!” Good job, Marley!

Congratulations to our Youth of the Month from Ogden Elementary and Manhattan Catholic Schools!

Club dues were due on October 1. There is a QR code at the welcome table if you want to pay with Venmo. There is also a QR code to make donations to the tree lot (i.e., for tree lot giveaways or to support the military discount).

An update on Hoop Holler ‘N Shoot was given by Thad Hall. The Girls winner was from Theodore Roosevelt. The Boys final will be held on December 8.

Korey Klingenberg announced that Early Expressions judging will be on Friday Dec 12 from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM: six more volunteers are needed.

Steve Boeckman let the club know that our Christmas trees will be ready to unload on Friday, 11/21 at 9AM. Everything else is on track for the upcoming tree lot season.

Next Wednesday, 11/26, our club meeting will be held at Optimist Park since we will load trees onto the lot that morning. Lunch will be catered at the park.

The tree lot opens on Thanksgiving Day, 11/27/2025.

The meeting was closed with the Optimist Creed.