Optimists to honor local seventh-, eighth-graders

From: Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, IA - Nov 8, 2003

TIM ROHWER , Staff Writer

Dozens of Council Bluffs young people every year are recognized for being outstanding members of the community.

That time has come again for 2003.

Next Monday through Friday will be Youth Appreciation Week in Council Bluffs as proclaimed by Mayor Tom Hanafan.

The event is sponsored by Optimist International, including the five local Optimist clubs. It's been going on since 1959.

"It's the most popular Optimist activities, with 2,000 clubs participating," said Jennie Kannedy, lieutenant governor of this area's Optimist district. "The purpose is to recognize youths who are outstanding in academics, church activities, athletics, participation in the community."

Though it would be impressive, those honored don't necessarily have to get straight As in all their classes, Kannedy added.

"They don't have to be honor students, but could still be good kids and deserve recognition," she said.

More than 80 seventh- and eighth-graders from five schools will be honored next week, she said. Each was nominated by their teachers.

Each day, recognition will be given to a boy and a girl in each of those grades at Kirn, Woodrow Wilson, Lewis Central and St. Albert junior high schools. One boy and one girl in those grades will be honored at Iowa School for the Deaf.

Each honored student will receive a certificate and will be invited to a reception at Lewis Central on Nov. 17 when a citywide recognition will be awarded to four of them, Kannedy said.

Those four will receive an engraved plaque, she said.

Every year, the local Optimist clubs provide scholarships to students at Kanesville High School and Iowa School for the Deaf, as well as those who participate in the Council Bluffs Oracle Contest each spring.

©Daily Nonpareil 2003