The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2024 #16: 1-17-24

                                              VOLUME 2024       JANUARY 17      NUMBER 16

President Bill Wisdom, welcomed everyone, and gave us the morning reflection/blessing and then we all joined in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ACHES & PAINS: Stay warm, stay safe, Stay inside!!

PROGRAM: Sharon Fincham first introduced us to Kayla Simon, Principal of Ogden Elementary, Erin Lopez, Principal of Oliver Brown Elementary and nominating teachers at of the respective schools. Without these wonderful teachers and administrators, we would not be able to recognize these outstanding students.

Mike Fincham first introduced us to Delilah M., a 4th grader at Ogden Elementary, here today with her mom, dad, sister, and brother. Teacher, Olivia Anderson had the following to say about her nomination. “Delilah is the perfect role model for others, always striving to put forth her best effort without being asked. She always comes into school radiating positive energy and putting a smile on everyone’s face. She is always up for a challenge without complaint and shines when she faces adversity. Her constant positivity is contagious, and she is courageous when standing up for others. Delilah has always stayed true to herself, never following the crowd and does what she believes is the right thing to do, all the while putting others before herself. She is a kind, energetic, highly motivated, studious, bubbly student, making her the perfect recipient of this award and I am honored to have her in my class this year!”

In speaking with her family, her mother said, Delilah, sometimes called “Lila” at school and “Delilah Bug” at home (because of an incident when she was very young, decorating herself in lots of ladybugs she had gathered) is kind, good hearted, outgoing, over achiever, loves to be outside, likes science and reading jokes. She wants to own a donut shop when she grows up so she can give her sister free donuts whenever she wants because she loves donuts. What a sweet child!

Gary Lloyd had the honor of introducing Saria K., a 5th grader at Ogden Elementary, she was here with her father, sister, and brother. Saria’s teacher, Amanda Kump had the following to say: “Saria is a ray of light for our classroom. She has an incredibly positive attitude, a fantastic work ethic and a growth mindset. On her own volition, she stays after school to help organize the classroom for the next day. She is always willing to assume responsibility and lend a helping hand to classmates in need.”

Her father said she likes history and reading, she loves to collect things, she has a rock collection and a shell collection. She also loves her pets; they have a dog and 3 cats. She’s such a good kid.

Sharon Fincham stepped in and introduced us to Jemma P., a 3rd grader at Oliver Brown Elementary, and she was here this morning with her mom, dad, and brother. This is what her teacher, Theresa Jones had to say about nominating Jemma. “I have nominated Jemma to receive the honor of Youth of the Month for many reasons. Jemma is a great role model to her peers by being honest, caring and understanding of others. She strives to do well in school and at home. From the school aspect, she gets good grades, turns in her work on time, listens effectively, and gets along with everyone. Even after tragedy struck her family and she had to go out of town for a few weeks, she kept up with her schoolwork and made each student in her class individualized bead bracelets. I oftentimes find her playing with her little brother after school, keeping him occupied while they are waiting for pick up, which her mother tells me she does at home as well. I am in awe at this young lady and believe she is a perfect candidate for this Youth of the Month recognition.”

In speaking with her family, they just moved to Kansas in February, from Connecticut, that was quite a move. Jemma loves to read, mostly history but really anything. She likes all sports, gymnastics, softball, and basketball. She is inclusive and really wants everyone to just get along. She likes music and books, likes to read to her brother, loves her dog, likes to facetime with family and friends, and being closer now, she likes to visit her family in Oklahoma and Texas. Jemma is a super sweet kid, and… she will be turning 9 tomorrow. How exciting!

Lastly, Sharon Fincham introduced us to Elliana G., a 5th grader from Oliver Brown Elementary, here with lots of support from her mother, father, brother, grandma, and grandpa! Her teacher, Sally Lopez (and student teacher, Maleah Lopez) had this to say about Ellie: “I nominated Elliana for the Manhattan Optimist Club Youth of the Month award because of her dedication to kindness and leading by example. Ellie is a friend to all and strives to be the best version of herself, making her a beloved member of our classroom family. We have a student in our class who is differently abled, and Ellie has never been one to avoid them. In fact, she has always gone out of her way to make sure this student is included. She is always first to volunteer to be their partner when she sees they need one and she also remembers to grab them for lunch when they forget or are running late. Ellie’s kindness has led to a beautiful friendship they both cherish. Ellie is also a student who leads by example, she is the living example of the golden rule, “treat others how you would like to be treated yourself”. She showers everyone in patience, respect, and forgiveness. This show of camaraderie radiates and lifts everyone around her up, encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves too. I am so immensely thankful to have Ellie in my class this year, she does all this just for the sake of being a good human and never for recognition or accolades. It is my privilege to nominate Ellie for this award of which she is most deserving.”

Her family added, Ellie is very helpful with her brother, she likes to draw and paint, she loves being outside, she’s very neighborhood friendly. She rollerblades and she likes Taylor Swift… she’s a Swiftie!

Many congratulations to all these wonderful students, we wish them all the very best. Keep doing what you’re doing, and you’ll all go far. We are so proud of all of you, and we know your teachers are as well, keep up the great work!

CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPCOMING EVENTS:

· SAVE THE DATE: Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament: March 15th and 16th (scorekeepers needed)

· SAVE THE DATE: Annual Spaghetti Dinner: March 23rd!

GUESTS: Welcome students, families, and staff/administration from Ogden Elementary and Oliver Brown Elementary. We are so glad you are with us today.

Meeting adjourned with the OPTIMIST CREED.

JANUARY 24: Michael Perschel with Twin Valley Development

NOON MEETING Topic: Intellectual Development Disability Services

JANUARY 31: The 5th Wednesday MOC Business Meeting

MORNING MEETING If you have a topic to bring before the group, see Bill Wisdom

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS