The Optimist Club of Senoia hosted its annual Youth Appreciation Banquet on May 3, 2012 in recognition of students at East Coweta High School and Northgate High School. Senoia Optimist member Laura Bell was the chair of the event which was held at the Senior Citizens’ Center in Senoia.
Counselors at the two high schools selected students for this recognition who were a positive inspiration to other students. Following a delicious meal served by the Optimist Club members, Youth Appreciation Chair Laura Bell explained that the students were chosen because of accomplishments that they had earned, sometimes while dealing with situations that other students do not face.
Students recognized from the local high schools were Ali Rojas, Kayla Ledbetter, Michael Meaney, and Taylor Panter from Northgate; and Kishon Kelley, Danielle Ward, Dominique Lewis, and Katey Lynch from East Coweta.
The speaker for the evening was Pastor Brent Anderson from Vineyard Community Church in Senoia. He stated that he wanted to help “celebrate and honor the students – and also encourage them”. Pastor Anderson mentioned that there are 3 signs each student can follow.
First, he explained to each student that “you have a purpose”. People sometimes lose their way when they lose their “why”.
Second, Pastor Anderson told the students that “you have people”. He elaborated that each one being recognized at the banquet had “their family, their friends, and this great Optimist organization” ready to help as necessary.
Finally, he advised the students that “you have power”. He emphasized that the students have the “power to continue pressing on” and the “power to take the steps necessary to succeed”.
Pastor Anderson reminded the ones being recognized that “you are not promised an easy go”, but – if you remember the 3 signs – you can succeed in the life ahead of you.
After the inspirational talk, Senoia Optimist Club President Tony Bell presented each student with a citation to acknowledge their contributions.
The Optimist Club of Senoia is scheduled to meet at 6:00 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. Meetings on the 1st Thursdays are held at Matt’s Smalltown Pizza, while meetings on the 3rd Thursdays are scheduled at Maguire’s Family & Friends Restaurant.
The Optimist Club of Senoia is part of an international organization whose motto is “Friend of Youth”. Meeting the needs of young people in communities worldwide, Optimist Clubs have been “Bringing Out the Best in Kids” since 1919. Optimist Clubs conduct positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth.
If you would like to learn more about the Senoia Optimist Club, please contact club president Tony Bell at 770-599-3981 or 770-632-9052. Information is also available on the Senoia club’s web site at www.senoiaoptimistclub.org or on their Facebook page (Senoia Optimist Club).
