The Great Bend Optimist Club recently recognized 17 graduating seniors from Great Bend High School with their Youth Appreciation Award.
“The program recognizes graduating seniors who are active in their school, church and community, as well as being good students in the classroom,” project Chairman Jim Mayberry said. The recipients were served dinner and presented with a framed certificate and a gift card from the club. All students shared their plans for after high school and recognized their parents.
“This project was a staple of the local Optimist Club for many years, but has been on the shelf for 20 or so years,” Mayberry said. “I was really excited about bringing this recognition back to life, and honoring some of the real quality students in the local school and future leaders in our community.”
The Great Bend Optimist Club has been supporting the young people in the community for 75 years. The motto of Optimist International is “Friend of Youth.”
Honorees included: Kylee Mohr, Jorge Pena, Taylor Lashley, Sadie Spray, Paige Thexton, Morgan Beckwith, Brooklyn Ramsey, Bradon Suppes, Parker Dicks, Addy Nicholson, Makenzie Premer, Kaden Deines, Emilee Hall, Rylee Prilling, Ashlynn Howard, Macy Nachtigal, and Samantha Mayers.