The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2025 #19: 3-5-25

VOLUME 2025           MARCH 5         NUMBER 19

President Greg McCune welcomed everyone this morning, that was followed by our morning eflection that was the Flag Salute. 

ACHES & PAINS: Spring is right around the corner!  Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy!      

PROGRAM: Sharon Fincham introduced our school representatives that were present this morning and gave thanks for all they do for the youth in our community.  Our schools recognized this morning are Woodrow Wilson Elementary and Lee Elementary Schools.

First up this morning, Mike Fincham introduced us to 4th grader, Jett E. from Woodrow Wilson Elementary.  Nominating teacher Ben Grogg had the following to say: “Jett is a kind student who has high expectations for himself and his classmates.  I have seen Jett grow in his ability to coach his classmates and not giving the answers.  It shows that he cares about his classmates learning.  Jett is also willing to help other students outside of the classroom; he helps them with many different skills.” 

Jett’s family says that he is loving, caring, outgoing and mature.  His nickname is Jr., he likes to play Xbox, Roblox and likes to dabble in graphic design and computers.  He sings with the choir at Church and plays football and basketball.

 

 

 

Next up, Larry Fox introduced us to 5th grader, Karter H. from Lee Elementary.  Karter’s nomination came from secretary, Nancy Zenk. This is what Nancy had to say: “Karter is a kindhearted person who does whatever is asked, no questions, and with a smile!  He volunteered to put up our flag every day, he helps pass out backpack meals to classrooms, he runs any errands the office staff asks of him and never complains.  Karter sets a wonderful example for his peers as well as younger kids.  He will leave a big hole at Lee when he moves on to middle school.  He is a Lee School Treasure!”

Karter’s family added, Karter is second youngest of 6 kids, he likes math, PE and Recess.  He is in the Jump rope club as well as the music club.   He helps with chores around the house and loves his family.

 

 

 

Mark Locke was next in line and introduced us to Marques C., a 4th grader from Lee Elementary.  Kristen Caldwell, his nominating teacher had this to say: “Marques had done many things to make himself shine at Lee Elementary.  He recently started to mentor a younger student.  He is modeling for the younger student on how to follow Lee Elementary School expectations to Be Safe, Be Responsible and Be Respectful.  He checks in with this student to see how their day is going and if they are following expectations.  Marques is very active and loves being outside.  His class was unable to go play outside at recess due to the snow, so he got the idea of helping clear snow off the blacktop on the playground, so he and his friends had a place to play basketball and football.  His friends were very thankful and happy that Marques went above and beyond for them.  He welcomes others to play games at recess and in the classroom.  He is always willing and able to help Mrs. Caldwell and Mrs. Callahan do small tasks around the school.  He has grown as a student and as a person this year at Lee Elementary.  Way to go Marques!!”

Marques’ family told us that he is very outgoing, a little goofy at times, he loves to play football outside, and his favorite NFL team is the Giants!  He likes basketball, matchbox cars, Michael Jackson, the Little Rascals and he likes to play Xbox as well. 

Our last student, Yousra N., a Kindergartner from Woodrow Wilson, was unable to attend this morning, but her teacher, Sharon Cairns had this to say about her nomination: “I am nominating Yousra for this award because she helps me clean the classroom.  She also notices when others need help, she will try to help the students and if she can’t, she will get it to an adult.  I can count on Yousra to be a good role model for her classmates.  She shows the expectations on the carpet, and she does her work when asked.  Yousra is a critical thinker, when she has a problem, she thinks it through and tries her very best strategy.  If this does not work, she will keep trying until she has succeeded.”

We Optimists are so proud of all of you and wish you only the best going forward.  Keep up the great work and we know you’ll succeed in all you do. Congratulations to all of you!

NEXT WEEK’S MEETING IS A MORNING MEETING
Lawn Mower Clinic will be March 11th, signups and more information coming soon
Special Olympics Basketball Tournament – March 21st and 22nd /See Bill W for more details
Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction – March 29th, signups and more information coming soon
Quarter 2 Zone Meeting went well, special thanks to Greg, Kelly, Lisa, Jerry, Mike, Clyde and Bill.  Thanks to Blue Hills staff for the great lunch. 
Bruce, Keith, Brian and Thad all received their Dime a day pins!

GUESTS: Welcome students, families, teachers and administrators from Woodrow Wilson and Lee Elementary Schools, we are so glad you are here.  

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed

NEXT MEETING:
MARCH 12: MORNING MEETING: Student of the Month Presentation/Jennifer Elliot – Midwest Dream Car Museum: Topic: “Dream Car Museum Facilities & Exhibits”

MARCH 19: MORNING MEETING: Terry Phannenstiel, KSU Psychologist: Topic: “Challenges of Parenting”

MARCH 26: NOON MEETING: Brad Streeter, Owner, Vista Drive-In: Topic: “The History of Vista Drive-In”