The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2025 #14: 1-15-24

VOLUME 2025          JANUARY 15, 2025         NUMBER 14

The Manhattan Optimist Club’s morning meeting was called to order by President, Greg McCune on January 15, 2025.  The reflection was given by Greg McCune, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  

The Manhattan Optimist Club was very happy to honor our Youth of the Month from Amanda Arnold and Northview schools.

Greg turned the microphone over to Sharon Fincham for the Youth of the Month program.  Sharon introduced principals Nick Goos (Northview) and Kathy Stitt (Amanda Arnold), and teachers Christine Peters (AA), Emma Blackwell (AA), Scott Eckelberry (NV), and Sowmya Sugumaran (NV). 

Mike Fincham presented information about our first Youth of the Month recipient, Lilla.  Lilla W. is a fifth grader at Amanda Arnold grade school.  Lilla was nominated by Emma Blackwell, Amanda Arnold Gifted Education teacher. 

This is what Mrs. Blackwell had to say in her letter of nomination: “Lilla W. is an amazing young lady.  I have had the privilege of being Lilla’s gifted education teacher for the past two years.  Lilla is a hard worker who always does her best.  She is not afraid of a challenge and always has a positive attitude.  In the classroom, she is welcoming, helpful, and kind.  She is a great leader and always sets an excellent example for younger students at our school.  She excels not only in school, but on the dance floor as well.  She manages to balance her busy school and dance schedule, yet still manages to do kind things for others, like bake one of her oldest friends gluten free treats.  Lilla’s baking is another one of her talents and we are very lucky when she shares her creations with the class.  I am so proud of Lilla and her accomplishments.  She will be missed very much when she goes to middle school next year!” 

Lilla likes to read, write stories, and do art projects.  She is an overachiever and likes to listen to stories on her iPad.  She loves to dance, and dances four nights a week at the Washington Dance Studio.  She takes ballet, jazz, tap, and lyrical and was one of five dancers selected for the Core Company.  When she grows up, Lilla wants to be a dance teacher, creative writer, baker, or librarian.  Lilla was accompanied by her parents, Melissa and Kevin, and her brother, Jonah.  Congratulations, Lilla!

Mark Locke presented the next award to Kelsey B.  Kelsey is a 4th grader at Amanda Arnold.  She was nominated by Christine Peters. 

Here is what Mrs. Peters says about Kelsey in her nominating letter: “Kelsey is a wonderful addition to our school community.  She comes in every day with a smile on her face and a hug for anyone who needs it.  In the classroom, Kelsey brings a positive attitude to everything she does.  She will always stop what she is doing to help another student, whether it is to help pick something up or assist with a difficult assignment.  Finally, one of Kelsey’s biggest strengths is reaching out and welcoming all students into our building.  Kelsey has created a special relationship with a special needs student in our class.  This relationship has allowed this student to feel welcomed and included within our classroom community.”

Kelsey is a kind person who loves everyone.  She enjoys arts and crafts, dance, and cheerleading.  She plays volleyball and basketball and enjoys listening to Taylor Swift.  She is in Pack 248 cub scouts and is involved in youth group at her church.  Her favorite subject is math.  Kelsey was supported by her parents, Todd and Casey, and her brother, Tyler.  Congratulations, Kelsey!

Sharon Fincham presented the Youth of the Month awards for Northview Elementary.  The first award recipient from Northview Elementary is Emeli C. R.  Emeli is a fifth grader at Northview Elementary School.  Emeli was nominated by Scott Eckelberry. 

Here is what Mr. Eckelberry said in his nomination: “Emeli always does her very best work in class.  Even when times are tough, she is always polite, friendly, and above all else, kind.  She perseveres in all areas, not stopping until she is certain she has the correct answer.  Emili pushes herself to be the very best she can be.  English is a second language to her, but she refuses to let any language barriers slow her down.  She consistently volunteers to read out loud in class.  Talk about bravery.  She has inspired others to want to try to read aloud as well.  Emeli is without question an inspiration to her fellow classmates.  However, Emeli also inspires me as a teacher.  I think back to myself in fifth grade, and I wish I could have been more like her.  She makes me want to push myself to be the best I can be as well.  It has been a pleasure to get to know her this year.  I believe she would be an excellent candidate for the Manhattan Optimist Club Youth of the Month award.”

Emeli was accompanied by her father, Arturo, and an interpreter, Christine.  Mom, Matilda, was at home with Emeli’s younger sister.  Emile helps with her little sister and they like to play with Barbie dolls together. She is very helpful around the house because she likes to clean.  She enjoys gymnastics, playing at the playground, and playing with her dog.  Congratulations, Emeli!

The second Youth of the Month award was presented to Julian M.   Julian is a 3rd grader at Northview Elementary School.  Julian was nominated by Sowmya Sugumaran.   

Here is what Mrs. Sugumaran writes in her letter of nomination: “I am thrilled to nominate Julian Morales for the Optimist Youth of the Month award.  Julian helps his peers and teachers with his leadership skills and positivity.  He is very responsible and regularly volunteers to assist classmates.  He consistently encourages his peers during group projects and fosters a positive atmosphere in the classroom.  He approaches challenges with determination and perseveres to meet his goals.  Julian’s cheerful demeanor, sportsmanship, resilience, and willingness to help others makes him an ideal candidate for this award!”

Julian is lighthearted.  He encourages everyone and never neglects his siblings.  He likes to read and color, and he enjoys watching movies and playing board games.  Julian has a brother Jace who was not available to join us for breakfast.  Julian was accompanied by his mother, Lindsey, and uncle, Armando.  Congratulations, Julian!

Then Greg welcomed principals, teachers, Youth of the Month awardees, and families from Northview and Amanda Arnold elementary schools.  No other guests were present.

Jim Blanton announced that the Social Committee is distributing surveys to collect feedback from club members in order to plan social events for the coming year. 

Greg McCune announced that the award ceremony for the Early Expression art event will be held on February 15, 2025, at the Beach Museum of Art.  Over 1,700 pieces of art were entered and about 100 will be on display at the museum from February 12-15. 

SAVE THESE DATES: Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction March 29th.

The meeting was closed with the Optimist Creed.

NEXT WEEKS’S MEETING:

JANUARY 22: NOON MEETING: Megan Moser, Manhattan Mercury News Editor: Topic: “Off the Beat”

JANUARY PROGRAMS

JANUARY 29: MORNING MEETING: Business Meeting