The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #22 3-4-26

VOLUME 2026   MARCH 4   NUMBER 22

SPECIAL NOTE: the March 18th morning meeting will be held at the Riley County Police Department, 1001 S Seth Child Rd, and breakfast will be catered there.

President Kelly Karl welcomed everyone, Bruce McMillin gave us our optimistic morning reflection and that was followed by the flag salute.

ACHES & PAINS: In a world where you can be anything…. BE KIND!

PROGRAM: Sharon Fincham recognized our guests from Lee Elementary and Bluemont Elementary Schools. Beginning with the students being recognized today, then their support systems – parents, siblings, grandparents and friends and lastly the teachers, principals and any additional administration supporting these students. Thank you all for what you do, making these students successful.

First up, Sharon Fincham introduced Callan A, a 5th grade student from Lee Elementary. Nominating teacher, Renee Cassel had the following to say: “I am nominating Callan because in his time at Lee Elementay, I have watched him grow and mature into a strong leader. He has a very caring heart and has stepped up this year to become a mentor to a few of our Kindergarten students. These students needed someone they could look up to, and Callan has graciously stepped into that role. Not only does he mentor the younger students, but he has grown as a peer within his classroom. He has learned to overcome frustration with his peers and works hard to build positive relationships among all the students in the 5th grade. Callan is a student that all teachers can rely on to lead by example and help wherever help is needed. It has been such a joy to watch Callan grow in his time at Lee. I know that he will continue to thrive as he moves on to middle school and will take what he has learned here and put it into practice outside the walls of Lee Elementary. Thank you, Callan, for your leadership and example, you are truly what it means to be a Lee Longhorn!”

Callan’s family added, he has lots of energy, helps out a lot, loves to cook breakfast, eggs being his specialty. He loves to play Baseball and is a catcher, he likes football too. He loves being outside, fishing (for trout), he ties flies for fishing, he likes to go deer hunting and camping.

 

Next up, Larry Fox introduced Ethan M, a 2nd grade student from Lee Elementary. His nominating teacher, Audrey Goedert said the following: “This year Ethan has shown a positive change in his attitude. Both teachers and peers can attest to seeing a growth in Ethan, but the most rewarding of all, is his self-awareness of this improvement. At the start of the school year, he set goals for himself with much guidance from others. Helping him to recognize personal areas for growth such as participating positively with his classmates and keeping himself in a respectful mindset and position to learn each day. As the year has progressed, we have released the support as Ethan has taken responsibility on himself to set daily goals and outcomes. His reflections have shifted from “lid flipping” to the “stop, name your feeling, calm down” approach we practice in our classroom. He has strengthened friendships with his classmates and talks through strategies for solving problems. Recently, I talked with him about the transformation I have seen in him; with his positive self-talk and the way he has shifted to showing up ready to learn and get better each day. He responded with a wide smile, “It’s like I’m not even acting like me.” To which I told him, he was being him – the version of himself that brings a good attitude and good effort! I am proud of his success with self-management strategies, and I notice the positive impact it has had on his peer relationships and academic achievements. Ethan’s progress over perfection has led to positive change and he deserves this recognition.

Ethan’s family said he loves music, PE, likes to be with his friends, likes to be outside, and he also likes to play video games. He cares for his cats and dogs and keeps a positive attitude. He may want to be a scientist when he grows up.

 

Mike Fincham had the honor of introducing Elizabeth B, a 3rd grader from Bluemont Elementary. Kaitlin Yoder, her teacher had this to say: “Lizzie shows up to class with a positive attitude and ready to try her best! She sets great examples by getting her work done as well as getting it done quietly. She never fails to put a smile on others faces.”

Her family added, Elizabeth is very outgoing, she helps with household chores and with her little sister. She takes care of her cats and likes all kinds of music. She’s a good kid; she likes art and likes to build with her dad. She likes dancing, ballet, tap and hip-hop. She likes to play soccer and softball. She may want to be a storm chaser or meteorologist when she grows up.

 

 

 

 

Sharon Fincham had the privilege of introducing our final student, Jaxie H, a 3rd grade student from Bluemont Elementary. The SPED team had the following to say: “ We are proud to nominate this outstanding third grader for the Manhattan Optimist Youth of the Month. Jaxie demonstrates perseverance, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to growth in everything she does. Through steady effort, she has made meaningful progress in her academic skills and continues to approach challenges with determination and a positive attitude. She encourages others, is always willing to help and brings optimism to the classroom each day. She truly embodies the spirit of this award.”

Jaxie’s family also added, she is a hard worker, since they live on a farm, she helps with the horses, a bucket calf, sheep, and registered Angus Cattle. She is involved with 4-H, she has won showmanship awards with her Ewes, she belongs to the Blackjack Saddle Club and shes a great song leader.

Congratulations to all these wonderful students, we are so proud of all the effort put forth and we know you will be very successful moving forward. Keep up the good and hard work.

CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPCOMING EVENTS:

MHK IPS CLASS – Essays have been submitted

Save the date: March 10th, Youth Lawn Mower Clinic from 4:30-6:00 at Pottorf Hall

Optimist Apparel now available at Poppy Tees in Wamego, a new QR code will be available soon.

Please sign up for the March 18th meeting to be held at RCPD Headquarters. (morning meeting)

March 20th and 21st Special Olympics Basketball event, there are signup sheets on tables. Opportunities to volunteer as scorekeepers and many other opportunities go to www.givepulse.com/event/723136 to sign up as well, if you do sign up, please let Bill Wisdom now as well.

Save the date: April 22nd, Grow Green Match Day – with more information to come.

Save the date: Mar 28th, Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Save the date: Oct 24th, Annual Chili Crawl – more information coming soon.

GUESTS: Students, families, teachers and administrators from Lee Elementary and Bluemont Elementary Schools were in attendance today…. Welcome everyone, we are so happy you could join us this morning.

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed

NEXT WEEKS’S MEETING:

MARCH 11 – NOON MEETING: Program: Student of the Month and Beth Klug, Executive Director, Shepherds Crossing: Topic: “SOM Presentation” / “Shepherds Crossing”

MARCH 18 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Riley County Police Department Remote Meeting including Breakfast: Topic: “Riley County Police Operations & Facility Tour”

MARCH 25 – NOON MEETING: Program: Ariana Swann, Artist & KSU Grad Student – Teaches Animation & Digital Art: Topic: “Does Art Die? – Installation Art”