This past month proved to be one of calm and quiet for our club as is the case with most Optimist clubs. Members on vacation, too hot for projects, so it is a relief to be able to sit back and take it easy and look forward to the up and coming months and projects.
With school just around the corner, we are going to be super busy getting our Jr. Optimist club at La Mesa Middle School up and going. Even though the club has been in existence for almost two years, there will be a new entourage of students entering La Mesa for the first time. We are optimistic that the club, under the guidance of their officers and school advisors will succeed just as the previous one did. We are also looking at the possibility of starting Octagon Club in several of our local high schools.
What is JOOI? JOOI stands for Junior Optimist Octagon International and it is a service-learning organization. JOOI is the organization that connects all of the Optimist JOOI Clubs throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and France. For further information contact the SCV-Newhall Optimist Club.
With the onset of school comes the opportunity for students under the age of 19 as of December 31, 2007-2008 school year to participate in the Optimist International Essay contest. This contest is done in three levels of elimination: first, the club, second, the district and finally, international. As a participating student you would write your essay and turn it in to the sponsoring club where it will be judged by three non Optimist judges, the winner of that will then move on to the district level. If you are lucky to win at that level, you will then advance forward to the international level. Last year we had a district winner from Hart High School who won first and second levels and received a $650 scholarship. The theme for this year is: Today’s Choices Shape My Future.
A special message out there to Optimists who once belonged to our club, we are getting ready to celebrate our 20th anniversary as a club and we would like for you to join us at this very special evening on the September 30. Watch your mail for your invitation and plan on being there. It will be a fun-filled evening, as we will also induct the new Officers and Board of Directors for the year 2007-2008.
We are also planning a NOW, New Optimists Wanted, program sometime in
September and if you are interested in learning and attending this event, please contact Hugh McDonald at 661-803-8786.
Next month will have an array of up and coming items to share with you in regards to the club’s activities. Until then, Dee