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Schools

Spotlighting SHS's Junior Optimist Club Projects

One could be life-changing, the other grade-improving; SHS students can still get involved

This service group is the student branch of the Optimist International Club. Based on the activities planned for the current school year, one would say they are in sync with their motto of "Serving Youth."

According to club president Courtney Griffith, a junior and third-year member, the group will focus on two main service projects as part of its mission to serve as mentors and advisors for area kids.

students can expect an "anti-texting while driving" program.  Haven't seen distracted people texting and driving? It's cringeworthy.  

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"This is something positive we can do for the high school. (Accidents while texting) affect so many people each year. We wanted to do our part to prevent tragedies from happening to our friends and their friends," Courtney said. 

Funding has been secured from the Strongsville Optimist Club to purchase a video and rubber thumb rings imprinted with "W82TXT."   The group would like to see the program be a requirement at SHS.

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Added Courtney, "students need to be educated about it."

Members also plan to continue to tutor district students. Last year, the drop-in program was held every other week at . This year, it is expected to be at .   

Allow me to help you read between the lines here: A group of ambitious, service-minded high school students is willing to offer free tutoring and needs a school within the district to host them. 

This program is win-win for the tutors and their pupils. The younger kids get the help they need and for SHS students, it's the perfect opportunity for high schoolers considering careers in education.

With Courtney at the helm, this club continues to head in the right direction. "Our club is a fun way to interact with the youth of the community and help them to learn how great service can be." 

It's never too late to join and any level of student commitment is welcome.  In fact, there is a meeting tomorrow. Upcoming meeting dates include Nov. 10 and Dec. 1.  

The rewards can be long-lasting in terms of post-secondary success. "(Participating) can open doors for members when it comes to college applications. Youth-oriented activities will be helpful."

You got that right, Courtney!  

In fact, Courtney's got a lot right. She's also a member of the Key Club, the Spanish National Honor Society and is president of the Interact Club.

Nods all around for Courtney and member of the Junior Optimist Club. Thanks for making the difference!

 

What is your student club or organization doing?  Email Sharon Galvan at galvan.patch@roadrunner.com.

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