Highland Optimist Club recognizes local youth

The Highland Optimist Club recognized 28 Highland High School class and club officers at its monthly meeting on Nov. 16 at the Highland Country Club.

The event kicked off Youth Appreciation Week, which the Highland chapter has hosted in conjunction with Optimist International’s recognition of youth for more than 10 years.

Mayor Joe Michaelis was present to read a city proclamation and recognize the students for their efforts. Highland Community Schools Superintendent Michael Sutton and Highland High School Principal Dr. Karen Gauen were also in attendance to join the students for a special dinner, program, and awards presentation. Highland Optimist president Jay Korte and event chair Jay Boulanger organized the event.

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations, with 75,000 adult and youth members in 2,600 clubs in the United States and throughout the world. Carrying the motto, “Bringing Out the Best in Kids,” Optimists conduct service projects and events that reach more than six million young people each year.

To learn more about Optimist International and the Highland Optimist Club, visit the website www.highlandoptimist.org.

This story was originally published December 5, 2015 at 3:59 AM with the headline "Highland Optimist Club recognizes local youth."