Roseville Optimist Club Helps Kids Be Their Best – Macomb Daily
As part of a youth appreciation project, the Optimist Club of Roseville honors Roseville elementary students who are selected by their teachers.
“The goal of the program is to recognize students in the community who truly have an optimistic outlook, care about their fellow students, reach out to help others, and demonstrate a positive attitude,” said club secretary, Michael Batke. “The recognition program will be face to face this year with events scheduled for March 1 and 8 at Roseville Middle School. If COVID protocols change, a backup plan for a virtual event is in place.
Students at Steenland, Huron Park, Fountain, Ament, Dort, Kaiser and Patton elementary schools receive award certificates and congratulatory signs at their homes.
“The Roseville Optimist Club has been rewarding elementary students for over 20 years and believes the event best demonstrates the purpose of Optimist membership,” said Batke.
Youth Appreciation is Optimist International’s most popular organizing program, sponsored by approximately 2,000 Clubs.
The Roseville Optimist Club also sponsors scholarships, childhood cancer campaigns, public speaking contests, activity grants, and family fellowship activities.
Contact Batke at 586-909-5176 or by email at melwitko@sbcglobal.net.
Students honored this year include: Torriana Barber, Lathen Carr, Audrey Amsden, Raelynn Margrander, Aaliyah Sherrod, Nehemiah Pearson, Jayden McKee, Alexandria Gibbs, Dryden Brincheck, Celena Willett, Ethan Lee, Jonathan Morrison, Christian Perkins, Emersyn Belt, Bailee Maxwell, Marvin Dukes, Lillian Fuller, Trevon Taylor, Jacary Stubbs, Alayah Jones, Nevaeh Arsenault, Ar’Ionna Clarak, Gabriel Romero, Faith Matako, Maddison Conrad, Kevin Brown, Kara-Ann Magee, DaKari Jenkins, Deondre Rucker, Nolan Sparkman , Austin Pisarski, Lincoln Hurst, Becca Novotny, Vanessah Wade, Maximus Lepton, Dhakota Glover, Helena Phan, Mason Baerman, Elijah Moner, Willie Campbell, Ameerah Harrell, Hunter Peltier, Nathaniel Hamilton, Marilyn Cook, Willow Campbell, Sophia Giedrocz, Paityn Deel, Makayla Wolsey, Ayanna Ahmed, Natalie Foley, Makaylah Turner, Lauren Nevels, Tristian Scandalis, J’marie Riplett, Khliya Clark-Payne, King Cade, Alex Stribling, Penelope Spaunburg, Liam Harrison, Armani Dr ake, Ella Stroschein, Conner Benoot-Bensette, Alysia Alexander, Hunter Tipton, Jayme Mastogiovanni, Olivia Vick, Zackery Yorke, Peter Garbowski, Bryson Drogosh and Paris Francis.
Members of the Roseville Optimist Club recently collected $400 in gift cards and presented them to the Roseville Community Schools Homeless Liaison for distribution to families participating in this program. The club raises funds through a raffle based on Michigan Lottery numbers.
The Optimist motto is “Bringing out the best in children”.
Optimist Clubs hold an annual essay contest that is both a scholarship program and an opportunity for high school students to write their own opinions about the world in which they live. Topics can include personal experiences, their country or drawing inspiration from history. Club winners advance to the district contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. District level scholarships are funded by the Optimist International Foundations.
This year’s theme is “How does an optimistic mindset change my future?” Second place receives a $1,500 scholarship.
The current topic of the organization’s Oratory Scholarship competition for young people 19 years of age or younger is “Healing the World with Optimism.” Competitions at club level usually take place at the end of March.
The Optimist Public Speaking Contest distributes over $150,000 in college scholarships annually funded by the Optimist International Foundations and has been in existence since 1928. Club level winners receive medallions and zone winners receive a plaque. Districts offer a $2,500 first place scholarship, a $1,500 second place scholarship, and a $1,000 third place scholarship.
There is also an Optimist contest for the deaf and hard of hearing to present their thoughts to the community and gain experience speaking to large audiences. Competitors may use speech or sign language. The Optimist International Foundations funds a $2,500 scholarship for the winner.
The Optimist Junior Golf Program is for youth ages 10 to 18. The awards recognize the academic and community service of five junior golfers.
Macomb County Optimist Clubs include clubs in: Clinton Township Area, Central Macomb, Mount Clemens, Roseville, Shelby Township Area and St. Clair Shores.
Groups organize food fundraisers
American Legion Riders (“Voodoo Riders”) Post 4 breakfasts are 8 a.m. to noon, March 6 and April 3. The cost is $10 for all-you-can-eat eggs, bacon, cookies, potatoes, and drinks, including an extra-cost Bloody Mary bar. Events are open to the public in Room Post 4 at 401 N. Groesbeck Hwy., Mount Clemens. For more information, call 586-469-0271.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Bruce Post 1146 Slow fish fry season is 4-8 p.m. March 11, 18, and 25 and April 1, 8, and 15. The address is 28404 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores. Prices range from $5 to $16 for cod, perch, shrimp, and mac and cheese dinners. Coffee is free; other drinks available for purchase. Order in person, cash only orders are available.
Glen H. Peters School benefits from a penne pasta dinner from Friends of Macomb Township – a community foundation 5:30-8:30 p.m. March 19. It’s at St. Isidore’s Church, 18201 23 Mile Road, Macomb. The donation is $12 for adults and $6 for children under 6. Catering is provided by Aspen Restaurant-Bar-Banquets. For more information, visit friendsofmacombtownship.org or call 586-610-3511 or email community@friendsofmacombtownship.org
Send news from service clubs and veterans organizations to Linda May at lindamay@ameritech.net or call the landline 586-791-8116.
