A group of Optimists are readying the community to recognize area youth that are doing great things, yet might not be receiving notice for it.
The Bay City Noon Optimist Club, a member of the International Optimists, is preparing its annual recognition of the area’s young Unsung Heroes at its Youth Appreciation luncheon.
This year’s event is scheduled for Tues., March 17, at the Doubletree Hotel in Bay City.
"The students come to the luncheon with a sponsor and sometimes their family. We tell the crowd why the students are being recognized and they receive a plaque. The mayor is there, too," says Linda Kahler, board member for the Bay City Noon Optimist Club.
"It’s a real positive event. Optimistic, you might say."
The students being recognized are nominated by a sponsor, typically someone from the schools or another community organization. These are kids who are helping others in the classroom or taking other responsibilities in helping others.
Typically, the club recognizes about 20 students each year.
"One of our organization’s purposes is to be friends of the youth, making kids’ lives better," Linda says.
"We want to recognize these kids to give them positive support."
Linda’s husband, Ronald Freemire, isn’t a member of the club, but he attests to the power of the event.
"I go to the luncheon every year,” he says. “I always find it spiritually uplifting to see these kids recognized and have their spirits lifted too."
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