Michaela Bell, 2019 Jim King Scholarship Winner
Prince Frederick, MD – Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization that started in 1919 and is made up of more than 2,500 local clubs. Every year, Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects and serve well over six million young people. Optimists have always believed in making a difference—a difference to children, to citizens in need, and to fellow Optimists. Optimists also believe that the best way to make a difference is through action—positive action. As a result, the month of May has been declared Optimists in Action Month.
On the local level, the Optimist Club of Calvert has been supporting local youth since 1968. One of the club’s proudest accomplishments was the creation of an annual College and Career Scholarship Program in 1975, through which the club has awarded a total of $278,000 in scholarships. Annual youth programs and community service activities the club offers include Youth Appreciation Week, Halloween parade/party, Santa night, essay contest, youth fishing derby, youth film festival, Respect for Law, Teacher Appreciation Week, and delivering of holiday food baskets.
The Optimist Club of Calvert also partners with local community agencies, volunteering and helping to support Shop with a Cop, Calvert High NJROTC (Wreaths across America), hunter safety training, the local Christmas Parade and Project Graduation. Additionally, three Junior Optimist Clubs have been chartered in Calvert County offering middle and high school students an opportunity to make friends and have fun while doing great things in their community.
Visit the Optimist Club of Calvert’s website (www.CalvertOptimists.org) to learn more about the club. If you are interested in helping to bring out the best in kids, please contact the club via email CalvertOptimists@gmail.com or by calling (410) 474-2707.