Essay Contest Winners read their essays and a check was presented to Shriners Children’s Ohio

Erin Dickerson’s Prayer

Today’s prayer is a combination of Irish blessings and prayers in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

May God give you…for every storm, a rainbow; for every tear, a smile; for every care, a promise; and a blessing in each trial.  For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share.  For every sigh, a sweet song, and an answer to a prayer.  May the dreams you hold dearest be those which come true and the kindness you spread keep returning to you.  May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us, may the hand of God protect us, may the salvation, O Lord, be always ours, this day and forevermore, Amen.

Announcements

• Scott Langer announced that the Tri-Star Basketball event over the weekend was a success. There were 76 kids at the event. Thanks to all the volunteers including CHS girls’ basketball players and the Rudy Flyer mascot from UD.
• Beth Duncan announced that the 2^nd Annual Washington Centerville’s Got Talent is accepting video submissions until 4/7/2022 from kids aged 4-19. Only the first 30 applicants will be accepted. The prize money for places 1-3 are $500, $250 and $100. An in-person FINALE of the top 10 chosen will be held in the Central Theater at Centerville High School on 5/4/2022 at 6:30 PM.
• Pat Behn announced that volunteers are needed for the Easter Egg Hunt that will be held on 4/16/2022 at Oak Grove Park. There will be 8000 plastic eggs with a piece of candy for the kids to find.
  • The UD Optimist club is stuffing 3000 eggs.
  • Top Optimist club will stuff 1000 eggs.
  • On 4/2/2022 at 10 AM for about 45 minutes, the final 4000 eggs will be stuffed at St Leonard. Let Greg Griffin or Pat Behn know if you would like to help stuff some eggs.
• Tom Novak, co-chair of Avenue of Flags, thanked the wonderful renewal team for their hard work. They have renewed 64% of last year’s subscriptions. Renewal time is halfway done. They are looking for more help starting April 5, 2022.

Committee Meetings

4/20/2022, 6 PM, Tom Frazier Tee Off for Youth Golf Classic 2022. Meetings in 2022 will be on Wednesdays on 1/26, 2/16, 3/16, 4/20, 5/18, 6/15, 7/13. Additional golf committee members and volunteers are always welcome. The event will be held on 7/18/2022.

Community Events  

• 4/16/2022 10 AM, Easter Egg Hunt at Oak Grove Park. Volunteers are needed at 8:30 AM to distribute the 8000 eggs before the event. There will be 36 gold eggs with prizes.

Social Events

• 3/29/2022 at 7 PM, private event at Raise Your Brush for all members. Register and pay directly on their website with this link. The cost is $41.00 person.
• 4/8/2022 at 6 PM, Euchre tournament at Beth Duncan’s clubhouse. The cost is $10.00 per person and will include pizza, salad, and chips. Bring your own beverage of choice. Payment is due at the event. Please register here to help with the head count for food. The event will be limited to the first 40 people who register because of space constraints.

2022 Essay Contest

Kristen Marks is the chair of the 2021 Essay Contest. The following are her remarks:

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 and helps in developing their skills in written expression. This year’s theme for the 2021-22 contest was, “How Does an Optimistic Mindset Change My Tomorrow?”

I was enthusiastic about this theme as I reflect on the past year both personally and professionally, and it was wonderful to read about this theme from the perspective of our youth.

I want to thank this year’s judges: Liz Fultz, Dennis Dockins, Art Hung, Evelyn Griffin, Tom Young, and Mitch Bodenmiller.

This year, we had 6 entries for the local contest. The first-place winner of the local contest has moved on to the District competition.

Today, I am happy to say that you all will get to hear the top three writers read their essays! The first, second, and third place winners of the contest have joined us today, as well as some of their special guests.

First, we will hear from our third-place winner, Elena. Elena, who is a freshman at Centerville High School, is active in Science Olympiad and the Environmental Club.

Next, we will hear from our 2nd place winner, Alexis, who is a sophomore at Centerville High School. She is enrolled in all honors and AP classes. She also dances at Epic Dance Academy and is the vice president of BBYO youth group.

Elana, Freshman, Centerville High School, 3^rd Place

Excerpts from her essay follow:

Once one achieves an optimistic mindset, confidence and body positivity are likely to follow.

An optimistic mindset leads to a productive life. More productivity means further achievement and more achievement means more useful opportunities.

Alexis, Sophomore, Centerville High School, 2^nd Place

Excerpts from her essay follow:

An optimistic mindset allows you to change your own life for the better.

Optimism plays a huge part in me still planning on being a doctor, as difficult as it is going to be.

Worrying about everything and expecting the worst won’t get you anywhere.

Rebecca, Senior, Oakwood High School, 1^st Place

Excerpts from her essay follow:

“Gam zeh ya’avor” in Hebrew means “this too shall pass.” Her family reminds each other of this phrase to get through difficulties in life.

If I have an optimistic mindset and the will to succeed, I can reach my goals.

Shriners Children’s Ohio Check Presentation

Shriners Children’s Ohio (SCO) treats burns, cranial/facial palette, cleft lip/palate, spinal cord injuries, and more.

On behalf of SCO, Carrie Tucker and Jessica Wagner accepted a big photo op check for $3000.00. Back in November 2021, the CNO board approved a donation to Shriner’s Children’s Ohio for $3000 and it was already paid.

Sergeants at Arms