The Torch – Fall 2021

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Dear fellow Junior Optimists!

I am Maya Gluck, your Junior Optimist International President for the 2021-2022 year. I live in Orlando, Florida between The Mouse and The Beach. I am currently a senior at Lyman High School and have been a member of Junior Optimist since 2015. The positions I have served include International Board Director for two consecutive years, District Governor, Lt. Governor, Club President, VP, and Secretary/Treasurer, in addition to many other committee positions. I received the 2017-2018 Member of Excellence award and the Distinguished Governor ring for the 2019-2020 year.

Although the past few months have been hard for everyone, we have a chance to become something even greater by helping the world in which we live by increasing our community service and being kind to one another. There is an abundance of ways to achieve this goal. If we all have a creative mind and open hearts, I know we will make a difference. That is why as your International President I will make it my mission to help spread as much love and compassion through community service as we can and place a bandage on our broken world. My slogan, “Healing the World with Optimism” will remind us all to continue to strive in increasing new ways to help our world.

Let’s bring back all of our Junior Optimists this year and concentrate on growing our numbers.

Include all youth you know to join your Clubs and expand the message of Junior Optimist by promoting inclusivity in your own schools and communities. Take the opportunity to look at the strengths of those around you and build up your Clubs.

We will continue to globalize Junior Optimist Clubs. My Club, JOI Around the World, which was chartered this past year, is the first truly international virtual Club. This Club has provided opportunities for many others to strive in their home communities of Canada, Jamaica, Barbados and several states within the United States. Let’s use all the tools and skills we have to increase communication through our Clubs, Districts, and Regions, and grow this organization. With this in mind, I want to encourage all of you to build new Clubs as well as curating new friendships and keeping all of our Members motivated.

I am extremely excited to work with my amazing International Board and Committee to make this year an extra special one. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to Junior Optimist in all forms.

You are what matters! Let’s have a wonderful year!

Maya Gluck 2021-2022 Junior Optimist International President THE

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SOPHIE-CHANEL BOURRÉ

CHLOÉ-ANGÉLIQUE BOURRÉ

MIRANDA STIDHAM

Hello, Bonjour,

Hi fellow Optimists,

Hi friends!

I am Sophie-Chanel Bourré and I am entering this new optimist year as Junior Optimist International Past President! As we enter this new chapter of JOI, I am honored to continue my Optimist journey after having been a part of the organization for over 8 years.

My name is Chloé-Angélique Bourré and I am honoured to be one of your Directors on this year’s Junior Optimist International Board.

My name is Miranda Stidham and I am on your International Board of Directors for the 2021-2022 year!

Past President

Throughout this time, I have held many positions from Club President with the Samuel-Genest High School for 4 years, District Governor as well as JOI Director and of course JOI President. This year, I will also be the first Junior Optimistes Francophones Canadiens President and I am excited to start this new project with my executive team there and share our progress with all of you.

Outside of JOI, I am a Royal Canadian Air Cadet, have started my first year at the University of Ottawa working towards a Bachelor of Commerce in International Management. I also enjoy biathlon, skiing, biking and going on adventures and can’t wait to begin this year’s adventure with all of you and hope to see you all in Reno, Nevada.

Director

I am 15 years old, from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada’s Capital, where I am a 10th grade student at Samuel-Genest High school. My Optimist journey officially started 4 years ago but I have been part of many activities since my sister Sophie-Chanel began with the organization 8 years ago. I truly love how this organization includes all generations and really makes a difference in our communities all over the world! I can’t wait to see what this year will bring and how I can help make a difference on an international level. When I am not participating in a JOI activity, I am a Royal Canadian Air Cadet where I am currently Sergeant and I also do Biathlon and Marksmanship. I love to sing, travel, and do arts and crafts. as well as taking care of my pets.

If you need to contact me, you can send me a message on my Instagram at: chloe_bourre. Can’t wait to work with the rest of my colleagues to organize and meet you all in Reno at the International Convention.

Director

I am a Senior in a dual enrollment program with Wright State University and Kettering Fairmont High School in Dayton, Ohio.

I have been a Junior Optimist Member for seven years and in those seven years, I have attended five International Conventions. I have held the positions of Club President, Ohio District Governor, and I have previously been on the International Board in the 2018-2019 year!

I am looking forward to this year as it is not only my last year in JOI, but it is our rebound year! As a Covid Governor, I know the struggles of trying to keep your clubs running more than anyone.

This year will be crucial for us to comeback stronger than ever and I look forward to helping you do just that!

I am looking forward to working with all of you this year! Stay safe and healthy!

Planning Guide The revised 2021-22 Planning Guide is available at www.junioroptimist.org

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FATIMA ZAIDI

BO ZIMPEL

Hello everyone!

Hey fellow Optimists!

My name is Fatima and I’m a grade 11 student from Oakville, Ontario in Canada. I’ve been involved with JOI since middle school and this year, have the pleasure of being the President of the Oakville Club. Through JOI, I’ve made so many incredible memories, met all kinds of wonderful people and had some of the best years of my life all while serving our great community. This year, I’m so lucky to have been elected to be on your board of directors and take my work with JOI to the next level!

My name is Bo Zimpel, I’m a high school junior in Forsyth County, Georgia. I first joined the Junior Optimist Club my freshman year of high school, expanding my influence on my high school board leading up to district, and I’m so excited to now have the opportunity to serve as a director on an International Level! I truly loved my experience in the past couple years and I’m beyond grateful and thrilled to get to be a part of the planning on the board!

Director

Director

Outside of JOI, I keep myself busy running a virtual tutoring business, participating in competitive business and healthcare clubs, volunteering at my local clinic, and spending time with friends! I also love reading, the outdoors, and learning about diverse cultures and their traditions.

My goal on the International Board of JOI this year is to bring our community closer together by connecting JOI members and increasing communication between clubs, districts and the board. I hope that by the end of this year, members across the world can support each other with their projects and continue to spread optimism worldwide!

A couple fun facts about me are that my hobbies include art, baking, and playing piano. My favorite school subjects are sciences and history.

I love being involved in business clubs such as DECA and Future Business Leaders of America.

My goal this year with this position is to improve the volunteer process so it’s efficient and accessible in a centralized location, and to increase membership by advocating JOI as the welcoming, exciting club it is!

I can’t wait to collaborate with our talented JOI board and committee to make these tough times a bit brighter for us all!

Junior Optimist International was officially formed in 1988. It is the umbrella organization which links the local Junior Optimist International Clubs and Members to others throughout the world. Much like Optimist International, Junior Optimist is governed by an International Board of Directors, as well as District Officers. From the Club level on up, Members have the opportunity to develop leadership and teambuilding skills all while helping communities. Each year there is an International Convention, which gives Members the opportunity to share in the decision-making process of the organization, meet young people with similar interests and goals, grow from training seminars…...and have fun!

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O PTI MI ST I N T ER N AT I O NA L YO UT H CON TE S TS 20 2 1 - 20 2 2 ORATORICAL CONTEST Beginning in 1928, the Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program of Optimist International.

The contest is designed for young people to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with an opportunity to compete for multiple college scholarships with a pre-assigned topic.

Topic “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times”

District Scholarships: First Place: $2,500 • Second Place: $1,500 • Third Place: $1,000

with a chance to win up to $22,500 at the World Championships level

ESSAY CONTEST 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 addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!

Topic “How Does an Optimistic Mindset Change My Tomorrow?”

One District Scholarship of $2,500

COMMUNICATION CONTEST FOR THE DEAF & HARD OF HEARING This contest offers an opportunity for students who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing to present their thoughts in the community, gaining skills, which can only come from signing or speaking to a large audience. Patterned after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the contest offers youth the chance to compete in speech or sign language with the chance to win a college scholarship.

Topic “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times”

One District Scholarship of $2,500

KIDS SPEAK OUT! SPEECH CONTEST All young people can compete in the Optimist Oratorical Contest. The “Kids Speak Out” contest is a “pre-Oratorical” program that provides a more equitable competition for younger speakers.

Follow complete Official Rules posted on www.optimist.org THE

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The Star of the Month highlights clubs that are doing wonderful things in their communities! Our Stars of Optimism shine bright as you continue the great work that is accomplished by our organization and by encouraging new members to shoot for the Stars of Optimism with you.

SEPTEMBER STAR OF THE MONTH The SALT (Serving and Leading Together) JOI Club

In September, SALT JOI Club conducted three service projects, with two of them closely related. On September 12, the group painted "Kindness Rocks" with inspiring messages of hope and happiness.

On September 29, they joined their sponsors from the Noon Optimist Club of

JUNIOROPTIMIST@OPTIMIST.ORG BY THE

Western Des Moines in a quarterly project to clean-up trash on a stretch of West Des Moines walking /biking trail. They also placed their Kindness Rocks along the trail for people to enjoy. This is a new project they plan to do again with Kindness Rocks to also be placed in a local park and around the school.

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With excellent outreach and the opportunity to do meaningful service while having fun with other positive teens, SALT JOI Club also welcomed four new potential members this month -- and they look forward to continuing to grow in service and leadership!

In addition, on September 26, SALT JOI Club baked dozens of homemade chocolate chip cookies (including considerations for gluten-free and nut-free options) for high school teachers and wrote personalized notes and cards of appreciation and encouragement.

The next day at school, they presented each teacher with their note and a package of cookies thanking and recognizing their teachers for all they do to support the students particularly during these challenging and unusual times.

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Barbados JOI Clubs performed excellent during the COVID 19 pandemic!

by Yvette J. Berry Barbados JOI Chair, Member of the JOI Caribbean District During the months of May and June 2021, over 80 JOI and Alpha members won against COVID 19 pandemic and registered to create Virtual Barbados JOI that produced two exciting projects, Backyard Gardens and Postcard Art, this effort comprised of 7 JOI/Alpha clubs on the island of Barbados.

And what a "JOI" to Lieutenant Governor Lilly Rouse who was thrown in at the backstretch with vibrant assistance from JOI Club Advisors, Barbados JOI Chair Yvette Berry, and her teammates Optimist Margaret and Shirley - who planned the distribution of materials that were needed for the children to succeed. It was two hot projects that generated energetic participation and fun across the Kitchen Gardens and homes of Barbados! Our Clubs cannot wait to regroup after such a hit!!!

The veggies were shared with families and friends whilst the postcards were sent to frontline workers, teachers, and family members. Barbados JOI Clubs Reaching for the Stars of Optimism.

THE PARTICIPATING CLUBS WERE: • Hindsbury Alpha • Grantley Prescod Alpha • St. Ambrose Alpha • Precious JewelsWelches Primary • Springer Memorial JOI • Garrison Octagon • Lester Vaughn JOI and friends

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Local Junior Optimist Club becomes one of the largest in the United States Prior Lake High School Chapter doubles community reach with 180-plus Members

by Cassidy Manor PLHS Jr. Optimist Club, Public Relations Volunteer As vulnerable communities continue to stagger under the weight of the pandemic, local Prior Lake High School students have turned out in force through the Junior Optimist Club.

Membership has doubled this year to 180 members and counting. The Prior Lake Club has set its goal on 1,000 hours of community service, including assisting through local charitable causes in addition to other locations in the Twin Cities. “Student volunteers have really risen to the occasion this past year through the Junior Optimist Club. Volunteering has never been more challenging, yet more important during the ongoing effects from Covid-19,” said JOI Club advisor Dan Steger. “I am so excited we were able to grow the membership so significantly – doubling its size – during a pandemic,” he continued. The club’s membership has gone from 86 to 180 members in just a few months.

According to JOI Club President Leah Bottemiller, “Projects being considered for the

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2021-2022 school year include offering student tutoring services, special recognition of healthcare workers and veterans, a clothing drive for area homeless teens, partnering with other local charities, and much more.” All of the projects are student-led, and each project leader is responsible for reaching out to the community organizations and recruiting volunteers.

Non-profit organizations have said that volunteering in general has grown during the pandemic across the world because it helps people feel like they are doing something positive during this challenging time. The PLHS chapter, advised by Maria Belden and Dan Steger, agrees it helps kids feel connected to be part of something like a Junior Optimist Club while helping those in need. The PLHS JOI Club is sponsored and chartered by the Prior Lake-Savage Optimist Club and is one of several hundred Clubs in the US and Canada that comprise Junior Optimist International.

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“Mondays with Maya” “Mondays with Maya” is a way to reach out internationally to talk about Junior Optimist International and to get to know one another. Mondays with Maya will occur the first Monday of every month. We encourage everyone, including Junior Optimists and Adult Optimists to come and join us. Whether you want to learn more about starting a JOI club, learn new ways to achieve great community service projects, or learn more about all things JOI, Mondays with Maya will introduce these topics as well as other topics. If you are interested in a topic about JOI, feel free to reach out and we will use your question. Thanks so much and see you soon!

Check your email for the invite on November 1, 2021.

Email junioroptimist@optimist.org with any questions.

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SAVE THE DATE! 2021 JUNIOR OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL

CONVENTION June 30-July 2, 2022 • Reno, Nevada

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The Optimist Creed Promise Yourself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Rebecca Butler-Mona, Chair

Connect with Junior Optimist International!

Julia Cooper

junioroptimist@optimist.org

Vicki Mains-Hill

junioroptimist.org

Jim Parrotte

Facebook: Junior Optimist International

Kim Priebe

Twitter: @Junior_Optimist

Robin Rich Please email junioroptimist@optimist.org for contact information

Instagram: @junioroptimist Snapchat: junioroptimist