St Cloud Optimist Club
Jim Gasperlin - President
P.O. Box 942, St. Cloud MN 56302
Optimist's Projects
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Youth Appreciation On November 23, 2011 Optimist Clubs will recognize local youth for their efforts in community service work. Youth Appreciation Week (YAW) is the perfect opportunity for clubs to make a difference in their community and demonstrate the Optimists' commitment to young people. During the month of November the St. Cloud Optimists seek nominations for outstanding youth from various local youth service organizations. These nominees are invited to a Youth Appreciation Breakfast and given a plaque for their efforts They are also given $100 to donate to the organization of their choice. |
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Essay Contest Topic: "How my Positive Outlook Benefits My Community" When:The deadline for students to submit essays is January 31, 2012 Who: Youth under the age of 19 as of December 31 of the current school year How To Enter: Contact Marge Bates at 320-251-8653 for contest rules. The Essay contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In additional to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win savings bonds and college scholarships. The District essay winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship |
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Speak Up In the spring the 5th and 6th graders in St.Cloud's District 742 are asked to participate in a Speak Up program sponsored by the local Optimist Clubs. The topic is chosen by the teacher in each classroom. Each student prepares a speech no more than 2-3 minutes in length. Each class selects the best three speakers from their classroom. These selected students then gather to present their speeches to parents and friends one evening at a Junior High Auditorium. From each classroom, judges select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. All students presenting are given either a gold, silver, or bronze medal for their efforts. |
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Oratorical Contest Topic: " How My Optimism Helps Me Overcome Obstacles" When: Local contest will be in early March 2012. Details will follow Who: Students under the age of 19 years as of December 31, of the current school year and that are educated in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean. How To Enter: Interested students submit a speech on the pre assigned topic to their local Optimist Club. For further information contact Jim Bisek at 320-260-4000 or jimb@bluechipinsuranceservices.com Winners at the local club level receive medal. Scholarships of $2,500 are awarded at the District level. The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. |
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Junior World Golf Tournament The Optimist International Junior Golf Championships (OIJGC) is one of the largest and most prestigious events for junior golfers ages 10-18. Each year over 5,000 young people from the United States and Canada compete in qualifying tournaments; there are over 650 players from 25 countries that participate in the championship event. This year's Championships are in July and August at a PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Players compete in the 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-18 age divisions. (Ages are determined by the age of the participant on the last day of the tournament. 14-15-year olds may play up in the 16-18 age division. 18-year olds must not have started college.) Players pre qualify at the local tournament sponsored by the St. Cloud Optimist Clubs in early June. For Further Questions contact Bill Pennings 320-255-9283. |
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Childhood Cancer Campaign Optimist Clubs are encouraged to participate in this program by building awareness of the disease, providing assistance for children and their families, and supporting research to find a cure. In December 2001, the Optimist International Board of Directors established the CCC as the organization's primary focus program for the next five years. This campaign has continued. The St. Cloud Optimist have teamed up with CentraCare in sponsoring a summer picnic for children and families dealing with cancer treatment at the CentraCare Plaza in St. Cloud. |
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Respect for Law Awards Awards given in August which recognize local citizens and officers who provide positive images or programs to youth regarding respect for law. This program inspires a healthy admiration for local law enforcement officials among young people. |
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Achievement in Education Awards Awards given in August to educators and community individuals who have made outstanding contributions in educating youth in our area. |
