The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2024 #19: 2-7-24

                                       VOLUME 2024            FEBRUARY 7         NUMBER 19

President Bill Wisdom, welcomed everyone, and Jerry Banaka gave us the wonderful morning reflection, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  

ACHES & PAINS:  Be kind, you never know what others around you are going through.  Keep those less fortunate in your thoughts and prayers.      

PROGRAM:  Sharon Fincham introduced our school representatives present this morning and gave many kudos and thanks for the jobs they do for the youth in our community. 

Vera H. was first up and introduced us to 2nd grader, Jude B. from Manhattan Catholic School.  Her teacher Andrea Feldkamp had this to say about nominating Jude.  “Encouraging, thoughtful, and a team player are the three adjectives that describe Jude’s character.  Jude is always ready to partner with anyone, even the students who struggle with partner projects.  During times when students choose a partner, Jude has often selected a student not normally selected by others.  Jude jumps in and helps when a peer is in need.  For example, a peer spilled a box of markers and Jude jumped right up and helped collect all the items.  A peer was having a tough day and Jude approached the peer and asked to play with her, and it was so neat to see that peer’s spirits lifted.  Jude is humble and grateful for whatever she receives, and she appreciates each person for who they are and willingly shares what she has with others.  Jude is a role model for her classmates.  She is regarded as a trusted friend by all in the class.” 

 

 

 

 

Bryan J. introduced us to the next 2nd grader, Levi S., of Manhattan Catholic School.  His teacher, Andrea Feldkamp had the following to say about Levi.  “Self-starter, behind the scenes leader and empathetic are the three characteristics that describe Levi’s character.  Levi sees what can be done and jumps in to do it without being asked.  For example, a game was returned with pieces not organized, after Levi finished his work, he retrieved the game and organized it. He thought of this on his own and was not even responsible for the game in the first place.  Levi will often explain to other students how someone might be feeling after going through a tough situation.  He helps students understand that others have feelings, and we need to think about others in all situations.  Levi is kind and humble.  When a student needs extra help, he will go to that student quietly and offer a hand.  He has helped students gather supplies, complete project steps or explained instructions in a way that the student feels empowered.  Levi’s humble approach has secured respect from all in our class.  He inspires others to imitate these positive characteristics.”

 

 

Sharon F. introduced 5th grader, Marco B. from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary.   His teacher, Sarah Price had the following to say: “Marco is an outstanding student who is always willing to help his peers around the classroom as needed.  He is always one of the first to volunteer to help his peers when they have a question or need someone to sit down with them and walk them through an assignment.  Marco is great at making sure things around him are picked up and taken care of and he always has a smile on his face while he’s helping.  He is always in a great mood and his happiness is contagious to others.”

Ashley Smith, Principal at Theodore Roosevelt also had this to say: “Marco has been a role model student since he first came to our school three years ago.  He sets a good example for others; he is kind and can always be counted on to work his hardest.  Marco always brings a positive attitude to the classroom and consistently goes out of his way to help others.” 

 

 

Our last presentation, Mike F. introduced 1st grader, Ez’Ariah (Ezzie) W. from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary.   His teacher, Alyssa Grudi had this to say about Ezzie: “Something that makes Ez’Ariah so special is that he will support, defend, and comfort any of his peers in their time of need.  Whether they’re one of his closest friends or a classmate that he seldom speaks to, Ezzie will extend his kind heart and helping hand.  Someone didn’t get the snack they wanted; he selflessly gives them his.  Someone is crying, he is the first to offer a giant Ezzie hug.  If he was the one that caused a friend to feel sad, he genuinely reflects on his actions and is quick to apologize with complete sincerity.”  Ezzie strives to do his best each day, he puts so much effort into making those around him proud but the person who should be most proud of Ezzie is himself.  He has come so far over the course of this school year and made immense growth academically, socially, and emotionally.  I am beyond proud of all he has accomplished.” 

Principal, Ashley Smith added: Ezzie is such a caring boy, and he has a big heart!  He is the first one to check on someone who needs help and make sure that they are ok.  Ezzie is a wonderful helper and can always be counted on to help with a special job or task.  He has been working hard at meeting his goals and has made a lot of growth this year.” 

Congratulations to all four of these Youth of the Month recipients, we Optimists are so very proud of all you have done and know you will be most successful.  Keep up the great work!

CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPCOMING EVENTS:

SAVE THE DATE:   Lawn Mower Clinic March 5th
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, teachers, and administration from Manhattan Catholic School and those from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School.  We also welcome Mark Locke’s daughter, Charlene Rutherford of Quest Diagnostics, QA Rep and Jim Blanton introduced his guest, Jolene Roberts, Realtor/Owner of Sells MHK.  We welcome all of you and are so happy you’ve joined us this morning. 

Meeting adjourned with the OPTIMIST CREED.

FEBRUARY PROGRAMS:  Program Chairs:  Sharon Fincham, Gary Lloyd & Mike Fincham

FEBRUARY 14:                   Student of the Month Presentation – Thad Hall

NOON MEETING              Program: Matt Walters, General Manager-Manhattan Broadcasting KSU Sports

                                                “My Career in Broadcasting and KSU Sports”       

                                                Coordinator:      Mike Fincham

FEBRUARY 21:                   Ryan Smallwood, Special Ed Instructor @ Eisenhower Middle School

MORNING MEETING      “Special Education Presentation”

                                                Coordinator:      Gary Lloyd

FEBRUARY 28:                   Rachel Veenstra, K-State Department of Agronomy

NOON MEETING              “A Crop Judging Dynasty – 32nd National Championship”

                                                Coordinator:        Mike Fincham

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS