From left to right, Alana Chang, Ryan Adams, Cecilia Coley, Maoqi Yam, Ryan Truitt, Morgan Lang, Lauren Granville, Kelly Kosa, Michael Marinaccio and Alyssa Latuff.

Prince Frederick, MD – The Optimist Club of Calvert-Prince Frederick continued a tradition that goes back 45 years. The local club has celebrated Youth Appreciation Week, a nearly 60-year program established by Optimist International. The purpose of the program is to recognize the area’s outstanding youngsters for their achievements in academics and extra-curricular activities and participation in out-of-school programs within the community.

Last month the Calvert County Commissioners declared Nov. 3 through 10 as “Youth Appreciation Week in Calvert County.”

With the assistance of guidance counselors from Calvert County’s four public high schools, as many as 10 seniors were recognized from each school.

The seniors from Northern High School (NHS) this year are:

Ryan J. Adams, who belongs to the Academy of Finance, plays varsity basketball and plans to major in accounting with a career as a certified public accountant.

Alana H. Chang, who is a member of Future Doctors of America, volunteered at a church soup kitchen and is planning for a career as a neurosurgeon.

Cecilia M. Coley, who is an honor student, sings in the NHS and Tri-County Honors choruses and plans to major in music education.

Lauren M. Granville, who has excelled academically, played varsity lacrosse and plans to major in criminal justice at college.

Kelly R. Kosa, who is involved in student government, excelled academically, played sports and plans to major in middle school education.

Morgan I. Lang, who is a cheerleader, active in student government, plays lacrosse and is aiming for a career in physical therapy.

Alyssa A. Latuff, who is an honors student, involved in theatre production and music, and is planning to major in computer game and design.

Michael S. Marinaccio, who belongs to several school clubs, is very involved within the community outside of school and plans to major in Spanish.

Ryan A. Truitt, who is an honors student, plays several sports, volunteers at a food pantry and intends to major in mechanical engineering.

Maoqi Yam, who is an excellent student, member of the class council, involved with community activities and major in biology and chemistry at college.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com