Bob Burkman’s Prayer
Gracious and loving God, We gather here today with hearts full of gratitude. Thanksgiving may have passed just a few days ago, but the spirit of thankfulness is still fresh within us. We are thankful for one another. We are thankful for the chance to serve our community, and for the spirit of Optimism that continues to guide our work.
As we look ahead to Christmas, just a few weeks away, we ask for Your light to shine through all we do. Bless our Christmas tree lot and our members who give their time and talents. Bless the families who visit. May each tree we sell bring joy, warmth and an abundance of Christmas hope into someone’s home.
Be with us now. Inspire our conversations, strengthen our fellowship and help us stay true to our mission of bringing out the best in kids and making an impact in our community.
We ask all this with grateful hearts.
Amen.
Get to Know a Member – John Carroll
President Sarah selected John Carroll, coordinating principal at Centerville High School, as this week’s “Get to Know CNO” participant.
- How many siblings were in your family? Three total, all boys.
- Do you want to go to the movies or stay home and stream movies? He prefers to stay home and stream.
- What is something you’re afraid of? Failure, which he described as a constant thought tied to imposter syndrome, and he thanked President Sarah for calling him up despite that fear.
John Carroll joined CNO on January 3, 2012, and was sponsored by Will Cale.
Announcements
Festive Attire for the Meeting December 16, 2025
Members are encouraged to wear holiday gear or an ugly sweater to the December 16 meeting. This is the final meeting of the year, as there are no meetings during the weeks of Christmas or New Year’s.
Primary Village South – Frosty Shop Volunteers Needed
Andy Higgins announced that PVS is hosting its Frosty Shop this Saturday morning and Sunday December 7, 2025, in the afternoon and needs volunteers to help children shop for gifts. The signup link is on the Member Calendar.
Tree Lot Update
Tree Lot co-chairs Greg Griffin and Carl Frydryk report excellent sales. So far, 460 trees have been sold, about 54 percent of inventory. Sales are at 56 percent of the financial plan after just four days. Weeknight teams especially need strong volunteer attendance due to fewer volunteers per shift.
CNO Got Talent – Committee Volunteers Needed
Erin Laurito said that the CNO Got Talent show will be held the first week of May at the Centerville High School Theater. The committee is seeking volunteers to help with planning. New committee members are welcome. The top finalists perform on stage and receive $500, $250, and $100 awards.
Adopt-a-Family Brings Joy to 47 Kids
Christy Gariety announced that the Adopt-a-Family program was a success, covering 47 kids. She and her co-chair, Sue Jessee, thanked all members who participated. In addition, they collected over $1,300 in cash donations that will be used to purchase food for the families.
Youth Appreciation Awards 2025-2026
Sarah Umbreit introduced the coordinating principal of Centerville High School, John Carroll. Carroll introduced guidance counselors who presented three CHS students with the annual CNO Youth Appreciation Award
From John Carroll:
First, I would like to thank the Centerville Noon Optimists for providing this opportunity to present today and honor three of the most outstanding students from Centerville High School.
Since 1957, Optimist Clubs have recognized youth for their talents in all areas of our school program and their service to our community. Today, I have the honor of introducing three outstanding members of the CHS class of 2026 who have been nominated for this year’s Youth Appreciation Award. I honestly can’t wait for you to hear about these students as I know they embody the values of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club.
All three of these young adults have an extremely strong commitment to both their school and their community. They have excelled in rigorous academic programs while also demonstrating exceptional leadership and involvement in their school and community.
I would like to make some introductions of guests joining us to celebrate. Please welcome our CHS administration and counseling staff.
- East Unit Principal – Jack Durnbaugh and Counselor Meghan Leiker
- South Unit Principal – Jen Riegel and Counselor Christina Weaver
- From West Unit Principal – Jeff Wolff and Counselor Stella Allex
- Centerville City Schools Superintendent Jon Wesney
At this time, I would like to have our award winners introduce their guests today:
- From East Unit, Tyler Hillberg
- From South Unit, Abby Carroll
- From West Unit, Bryn Conde
For students and their guests, I would like to share a little about our club. The motto of all Optimist Clubs is “Friend of Youth,” and this club strives to uphold that motto by providing numerous activities for the youth of our community. Examples of this support include the Halloween Haunted Trail, Fishing Derby, Oratorical Contests, Sponsorship of Youth Clubs like Jr. Optimist and Octagon Club and many other activities.
In keeping with this motto, each year the Centerville Noon Optimist Club also hosts this Youth Appreciation event to recognize young people who are outstanding citizens and actively involved in their schools, places of worship, and communities.
At this time, I am going to invite each counselor to the podium to introduce this year’s Youth Appreciation Award winners. Since we do everything at CHS in East, South, West order…I invite Mrs. Leiker to the podium for the first introduction, Tyler Hillberg, Tyler please join us at the podium.
Tyler Hillberg – East Unit
From Meghan Leiker
It is truly an honor for me to recognize a student who is so talented, so dedicated, and so involved that I am convinced he either has a twin somewhere or simply hasn’t slept since his freshman year. Either way, it is incredibly impressive.
Tyler Hilberg has been the creative force behind just about anything that moves, plays, or flashes across the screen in Centerville athletics. For the past three years, he has served as the social media manager and graphic designer for the varsity basketball team. He is at every practice and game, working the sidelines and helping the coaches with whatever they need. For the past two years, he has also been the social media manager for the football and lacrosse programs. He is a member of the ELK Sports Network crew, recording and commentating games. At the same time, he has nearly earned two dozen college credits while maintaining a remarkable 4.48 GPA.
Outside of school, Tyler also works at Skyline Chili and has worked at Culver’s. That means he can film, edit, design, manage social media, and make you a three-way chili.
I have the privilege of knowing Tyler not only as his counselor but as part of our basketball family, where my husband is one of the assistant coaches. As Head Coach Brooke Huff put it best, “Tyler’s willingness to serve and lift up others is the most impressive part of what he consistently does. He is passionate about his work, but he is driven by seeing others highlighted and honored. That kind of humility is rare at any age, and especially rare in high school.”
Tyler is also part of our two-year Media Production program, where his teacher describes him as one of the most reliable and creative students she has ever had. He works fast, works hard, jumps in to help others, and has become the go-to person for athletics media. When a coach or administrator needs graphics or video, the first response is always, “Ask Tyler.”
Early in his junior year, he became known for popping up in the background of nearly every single video, trying to keep the streak alive. By his senior year, he didn’t need to be on camera anymore. His polished, energetic, and recognizable work became what everyone watched. Some of the funniest and most memorable video packages in our program exist because Tyler was not afraid to pitch an idea and push it until everyone agreed it was brilliant.
Tyler is not just talented. He makes the people around him better. He makes our programs better. He makes our school better. It is my absolute honor to recognize Tyler Hilberg as one of this year’s Centerville Noon Optimist Outstanding Students.
Tyler Hillberg spoke
It is a great blessing and an honor to receive this award. I want to thank my counselors, teachers, principals, parents, siblings, teammates, and classmates. I do not normally speak in front of groups like this, but I am very grateful for the support I have received. I have been fortunate to be part of many special things during my time in high school, and I hope that continues as I move on to college.
Abby Carroll – South Unit
From Christina Weaver
I have the pleasure of nominating Abigail Carroll for the Centerville Noon Optimist Youth Award. Some of you may also know her father, John Carroll—yes, that John Carroll—the head honcho at Centerville High School.
Now, I can imagine that being the Coordinating Principal’s daughter could put one in a tricky spot. People might wonder: Does Abby get special treatment? Is she a teacher’s pet? But the truth is quite the opposite. Abby is humble, grounded, and the last person to seek attention. She has earned every achievement through her own effort.
Abby is highly goal-oriented. She has taken numerous AP and CCP classes including college courses for nurse aide training, and stayed involved in activities such as Student Athletic Training, Wrestling Stats, and working part-time at Integrative Physical Medicine of Dayton.
Her Exercise Science teacher, Maria Whitaker, shared:
“I’ve known Abby since she walked into my Sports Medicine class her freshman year. It’s rare for a freshman to want to take that class, but Abby’s drive and determination were clear right away. Four years later, that drive is even stronger. She balances her studies, her job at a chiropractic office, and her work as a student athletic trainer with incredible focus. She has completed numerous job shadowing opportunities and is pursuing a career in the medical field. Abby will be a fantastic asset because she collaborates well, puts others at ease, and makes people feel seen and heard.”
Abby plans to attend Ohio University and study to become a nurse. I have no doubt she will be successful in this goal.
Abby shared one of her biggest academic challenges was balancing her junior-year workload with CCP and a block program. She managed it with maturity and has grown both academically and personally—especially in learning to tune out negative peer influences and the general negativity so many students face.
But Abby isn’t just hardworking—she’s personable, funny, and genuinely kind.
Lori Rockhold, the South Unit Secretary who has known Abby since she was little, shared this:
“Abby is and always has been a quiet-natured, sweet girl. When she started athletic training in high school, she immediately knew she wanted to be in the medical field. She has shadowed doctors, observed orthopedic surgeries, and once she sets her mind to something, she is determined. She works in a chiropractic office now and takes her studies very seriously—always working on homework and projects…being the best she can be.”
Abby truly embodies the spirit of the Noon Optimist Youth Award—excelling in rigorous academics, showing leadership, giving back to the community, and doing it all with compassion and integrity. As Mrs. Rockhold so perfectly said, “She is compassionate in all ways, but stands for herself and others.”
It is an honor to recognize Abby Carroll today.
Abby Carroll spoke
It is a pleasure to be here today, and I want to thank everyone for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank everyone who helped put on this event. Most importantly, I want to thank my mom, dad, and sister for giving me the opportunity to be successful.
Bryn Conde – West Unit
From Stella Allex
It was Tuesday-Tuesday, October 21st, to be exact, when I got the email. It’s time to choose one senior who embodies-and I quote, “all the attributes of good citizenship and optimism.” To some, this may sound like a daunting task, but not for me! Well, writing the speech, maybe-but choosing the student-not at all. I had just written a letter of recommendation for Bryn Conde and was so impressed with her service. The choice was clear.
I could focus on academics-Bryn is certainly an outstanding student-a National Honor Society member who will graduate Magna Cum Laude with an Ohio Honors Diploma-but that’s not what makes her perfect for this recognition. Bryn is a really good human. She probably doesn’t know it, but she lives by the Optimist Creed.
I’ve got a little challenge for the Optimist Club members. I’ve embedded your creed into my introduction of Bryn. Raise your hand when you recognize the Creed. I don’t know, maybe I’ll charge you a dollar for each one you miss?
Bryn truly has a huge heart for others, and that shows how she spends her time. She serves as co-president of United Sound. United Sound is an opportunity for special needs students to stay after school and learn to play musical instruments. This is a big deal. It’s an incredible experience for both groups of students. Bryn’s eyes lit up when she told me about how much fun the students have. She also shared that since most of these students eat 5th lunch in South, she stops by to say hello nearly every day on her lunch break. If she’s late, one of the students is sure to point that out to her. Bryn is enthusiastic about the success of others as she is her own and certainly knows how to make others feel that there is something in them.
Bryn spent two summers volunteering at the Good Works Farm summer day camp. The mission of this farm is to enthusiastically empower differently abled individuals to reach their fullest potential in supportive and meaningful ways. Bryn enjoyed helping with all the fun activities from arts and crafts to bubble machines. Unfortunately, this past summer, she was nursing a broken ankle and was unable to volunteer. She hopes to be back this summer. She’s looking on the sunny side of everything and making her optimism come true!
Bryn is dedicated to band. She’s been involved in Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Marching Band, Winter Guard, Winter Percussion, and this year she is a Drum Major. Here’s what the band director shared with me: “Bryn Conde is an excellent student leader in the band program. She is someone who has the respect of her peers because she works hard, but also because she is someone who goes out of her way to know everyone and tries to be supportive to all. She has earned her position of leadership through her dedication and hard work, and her growth as a musician and as a person are exactly the model that we hope other students can replicate. She is, in many ways, one of the faces of our organization, and I am proud to say that Bryn is a band kid!” She thinks only of the best, works only for the best, and expects only the best.
Bryn’s Spanish teacher shared: “Bryn is a great student who is engaged and thoughtful. She adds to the classroom environment in a positive way, and I really enjoy having her in class!” Her English teacher said, “Bryn is incredibly deserving! … Bryn is hard working, insightful, articulate, and, most importantly, kind to everyone (classmates and teachers alike). I’m lucky to have her in class, and I can’t wait to see what she does the rest of this year and beyond CHS.” Bryn is an example of someone who wears a cheerful countenance at all times and gives every living creature a smile.
Bryn plans to attend school next year to become a nurse. Specifically, she would like to work in labor and delivery. No matter where she goes or what she does, I know that Bryn will continue to uplift, support, and encourage others. That is just who she is, and what she is about.
Bryn Conde spoke
Thank you all for the opportunity to be here today. I came from Incarnation and was nervous about finding my place at Centerville High School during my first year, but I truly have found my place and learned how to become a leader. I want to thank the staff, teachers, and my peers, along with my family, my parents, my sisters, and my grandparents for all of their support.
John Carroll’s Closing Thoughts
From John Carroll:
In closing, I would just like to say that it is a joy to work with all the students at CHS. The three students honored today have set themselves apart during their time at CHS. I am sure you will all agree that their futures are very bright! Might I insert a gratuitous plug and state that you would all make outstanding Optimist members in the future! If your journey returns you to the area…keep the Centerville Noon Optimists in mind!
I want the three of you to know that, when I asked counselors who we should recognize, your names were offered without hesitation! I hope you accept that as a huge acknowledgement to who you are and what you have meant to our school and community. Congratulations and thank you!
It is a treat each year for this ceremony. Thanks to the Optimists for having us.
What do you know about CNO from Sarah Umbreit
While working the tree lot this weekend, President Sarah shared a few customer stories.
- A woman drove over an hour to buy four coils of roping, saying she returns every year to support CNO.
- A family spending their first Christmas in Ohio chose our lot after hearing about the good work we do. They were surprised we didn’t have the 22-foot trees they cut in California but were happy to start a new tradition here.
- Several visitors were surprised to learn about the tree bags we offer, and many families said they look forward to coming back each year.
New Member Readings and Inductions
- Bill Johnson, Induction, Sponsored by Erin Laurito
Happy Bucks
- Evelyn Griffin thanked Karl Frydryk, Steve Mays, Cris Peterson, Robert Taylor, and Erin Laurito with her daughters, for helping unload and tag 120 wreaths for the tree lot.
- Joan Cordonnier thanked the honored students and their families for attending today’s Youth Appreciation meeting.
- Joan Cordonnier was also happy that the meeting after lunch should finalize updates to the Optimist of the Year selection process.
- Andy Higgins shared that his mother-in-law is now 98 years old.
- Hunter Busch was happy to have a snow day from school.
- Daniel France celebrated that he and his wife will be closing on their newly built home after working through the usual challenges of construction.
- Mike Creech thanked Paul Boeckman for delivering Mike’s driver’s license to his home after Mike accidentally left it on the copier in the tree lot sales trailer.
- President Sarah Ubreit was happy that she successfully protected the bell and gavel today. Her goal is to protect them at least once a month.
Sergeants-at-Arms Fines – Bob Myers and Mike Creech
- John Carroll was fined because Sergeant Mike Creech said he could.
- Beth Duncan, working as the cashier in the warm sales trailer, was fined after she told someone who walked in to close the door because it was so cold inside.
- Cris Peterson was fined for selling a large tree with so much enthusiasm that she hurt her hip in the process.
- Kristin Passidomo was fined after searching for her name tag in the team folder at the tree lot and discovering she somehow had two name tags.
- Mike Cordonnier built a beautiful red barn display for wreaths at the tree lot, and even though wind knocked it over and Mike provided a quick solution to keep it upright, the sergeants fined him anyway.
- Patrick Arehart was fined for greeting sergeants Bob Myers and Mike Creech today with a cheerful “Hello ladies!”
- President Sarah Umbreit was fined for holding the microphone incorrectly for a moment. I guess the sergeants are sound engineers too!
- Sam Pfabe was fined because his bowling team plays poker during games, and Sergeant Mike Creech always ends up losing three dollars to Sam. Sergeant Mike Creech decided it was time to collect. This could be an abuse of a sergeant’s power.
- Paul Stull was fined for getting too close to the heater at the tree lot and burning a hole in his pants by his kneecap and then burning a matching hole on the other pant leg shortly after for perfect symmetry.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Bill Johnson | Erin Laurito |
| Chase McKenzie | Mike Bevis |
| Dave Hungler | Dave Kay |
| Hunter Busch | Jeff Busch |
| Kim Ballard | Cris Peterson |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Roberta Taylor | December 6, 1995 | 30 |
| Paul Boeckman | December 9, 1994 | 31 |
| Tia Papp | December 10, 2023 | 2 |
| Roland Rapp | December 10, 2002 | 23 |
| Tom Novak | December 13, 1990 | 35 |
Birthdays
| Paul Bowell | December 3 |
| Fran Sheehan | December 3 |
| Nancy Lehren | December 5 |
| Tia Papp | December 5 |
| Bill DeShurko | December 6 |
| Matt Somerlot | December 7 |
| Sarah Umbreit | December 7 |
| Jeff Umbreit | December 8 |
| Anthony Feldkamp | December 9 |
| Spencer Miller | December 9 |
| Patrick Arehart | December 10 |
| Megan Dalton | December 10 |
| Penny Culhane | December 11 |
| Erin Dickerson | December 12 |
| Arline Danial | December 14 |
| Kay Scarpino | December 14 |
Thank You Notes Received this Week
No Thank You Notes received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slide Deck from this week’s meeting