The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #26 4-1-26

VOLUME 2026   APRIL 1   NUMBER 26 

President Kelly Karl welcomed everyone, Bill Wisdom gave us an inspirational morning reflection and that was followed by the flag salute.   

ACHES & PAINS: Sending many thoughts and get well wishes to Brad Horchem as he recovers.  Keep all those in need in your thoughts and prayers.      

PROGRAM: Sharon Fincham recognized our guests from Amanda Arnold Elementary and Flint Hills Christian School.  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 Juan K, a 4th grade student from Amanda Arnold.  His nominating teacher, Payton Neufeld had the following to say: “Juan is a picture-perfect student in every aspect!  He shows responsibility, maturity, and academic excellence with everything he does.  He is my highest scored ELA student and is top of his grade in all subjects.  He won the school spelling bee and placed 2nd at the county spelling bee.  He is kind to all and does the right thing, always!  GO JUAN! He is so awesome.”   

His family added, Juan is always grateful, he helps everyone, he makes friends easily and always does the right thing.  He knows 2 languages, likes to read novels, plays the piano and is learning the Viola (dad says there has been some screeching as he learns but it will get better).  When asked what he wanted to be when he got older, he wasn’t sure, but his family said he changes his career choice every day! 

 

Next up, Arlo Biere introduced Dorian S, a 5th grade student from Amanda Arnold. His teacher, Craig Miller along with his gifted teacher, Emma Blackwell said this about their nominee: “I am proud to nominate Dorian for Youth of the Month, I have had the privilege of knowing Dorian in several different capacities over the years and have always been impressed by his hard work and excellent character.  Being his gifted facilitator for the past two years, he has shown that he is a hard worker, intelligent, a great team player and supporter of his classmates.  He is also responsible and respectful.  Dorian is someone you can count on to make good decisions and be a role model to others.  Also knowing Dorian through scouting, he continues to demonstrate his strong character by participating in various events that help serve the community and help his group and himself as he earns different achievements.  He is an excellent friend, and he is kind to others in his 5th grade class.  If others ask him to join, he goes out of his way to do so and works hard to make sure his classmates ALL get fair catches during football games at recess.  Dorian is a wonderful student and there are so many reasons to be proud of him; it has been wonderful to watch him grow and learn at school, through Scouting and with his friendships.  

His family added, although he’s shy, he gives maximum effort to everything he does.  He likes math and is very goal-oriented; he likes building with Legos and playing Minecraft.  His kindergarten little sister added – “He’s a good Big Brother”.  He thinks he would like to go to Westpoint and perhaps be a Mechanical Engineer.   

 

Craig Cox had the honor of introducing Payson M, a 2nd grade student from Flint Hills Christian School.  His teacher, Mrs. Brent said the following: “I am nominating Payson for the Youth of the Month Award because he is an amazing student, he is kind to everyone, and he always has a positive attitude about schoolwork and life.  He honors God by always giving his best and he works hard to learn new concepts and is always eager to learn.   Payson is a WARRIOR in that he uses his time Wisely, holds himself Accountable and Responsible by paying attention in class and being prepared to learn, is always Respectful to everyone, is quick to Obey whatever is asked to meet expectations and is Relational to others, by treating them with kindness and respect.  He is Spirit-led by his dedication to learning our weekly Bible verses and stories.  He is growing both academically and spiritually; he is a fun, sweet student who loves learning and has a heart eager to honor and obey God.”  

Payson’s family added that he is very kind and cares so much for others.  He loves sports, baseball, soccer, basketball, and football.  He likes to ride their 4-wheeler and shooting guns.  He also helps take care of the family’s many animals.  

 

Mike Fincham had the privilege of introducing our final student, Emily C, a 1st grade student from Flint Hills Christian School.  Susan Janasek, her teacher, had the following to say: Emily goes above and beyond to help anyone in need, whether it is helping someone who dropped something pick it up or a friend who is sad, to see what is wrong and what she can do to help.  She is consistently genuinely thoughtful and considerate to everyone around her.  She is an active participant in the classroom and always eager to learn.  Her efforts in learning are showing well and beginning to take off increasingly and her heart and care for others is contagious. 

Her dad added that she is her mother’s daughter, a planner with a steel trap memory. She loves to be with her friends, she takes dance lessons, including Ballet, Tap and Jazz.  She loves to help at the Carr Family Ranch, helping with the calves.  She listens to Christian Music and some Taylor Swift too.  She wants to be a teacher and a mom when she grows up!  

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.   

MHK IPS CLASS – Essays have been submitted, they are being narrowed down by the committee. 

Annual Spaghetti Dinner, again a very successful event.  Thanks to everyone for their time and help. See below for lots of pictures thanks to Jim Blanton! 

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

Save the date: April 22nd, Grow Green Match Day  

Save the date: May 6th, KSU Baseball-Tailgate starts at 4:00 

Save the date: May 23rd, Bill Snyder ½ Marathon 

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

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

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed 

APRIL 8 – NOON MEETING: Program: Topic: Student of the Month Presentation and “THRIVE!” 

APRIL 8 – NOON MEETING: Program: Topic: Student of the Month Presentation and “THRIVE!” 

APRIL 15 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Manhattan High School Robotics Team: Topic: “MHS Robotics” 

APRIL 22 – NOON MEETING: Program: Joe Schartz, Manhattan High School Football Players/Coaches: Topic: “MHS Football – 2025 State Champions” 

APRIL 29 – MORNING MEETING: Program: President Kelly Karl: Topic: “Membership Meeting” 

SPAGHETTI DINNNER PICTURES