For 43 years, Calvert County’s Optimists have been recognizing outstanding youth in the community. According to Ed Dorsey of the Optimist Club of Calvert – Prince Frederick, this year 40 youth from the county’s four public high schools earned the recognition that is part of the club’s Youth Appreciation Week. On Nov. 19 the 2012 selectees, all seniors, were honored at a banquet held at St. John Vianney Family Life Center. The honored youths, along with family and friends, enjoyed a buffet meal prepared and served by Maryland Country Caterers. Each youth received a certificate and pin from the Optimists.

 

“I’m in awe of everything you’ve done,” Optimist Club President Darryl Mansfield told the honorees.

In addition to Youth Appreciation Week, the local Optimists aid school-age youth with scholarships. Dorsey said to date the club has awarded $138,000 in scholarships.

 

The 10 Calvert High School (HHS) students were chosen with the aid of Guidance Counselor Billie Jo Aris. These are the CHS 2012 honorees.

  • Daniel M. America is a Boy Scouts of America Life Scout and captain of the CHS swim team. America, who is also on the cross country team, plans to attend either the Air Force or Naval Academy and become a military pilot, commercial pilot or an engineer.
  • Rachel A. Carroll is president of the CHS Key Club and a member of the all-county and tri-county orchestras. Carroll, who has earned Advanced Placement (AP) Achievement awards in language and U.S. history, plans to attend college and hopes to become a U.S. ambassador.
  • Dylan R. Elliott is a member of National Honor Society, a church drama group and is a Maryland Renaissance re-enactor. Elliott, who earned an AP biology award, plans to attend college and become a college history professor or a lawyer.
  • Austin T. Folkman is a member of the CHS marching band and the all-county and tri-county choruses. Folkman’s ambition is to attend Salisbury University, majoring in music and biology, and “become a successful musician—not famous, just successful.” 
  • Malaysia U. Johnson is a member of the Maryland State Youth Leadership Council and has earned an Outstanding Achievement Award in Spanish IV. Johnson plans t