Optimists
The Flint Hills Optimists held the annual Youth Appreciation Week and recognized senior students during the April 12 meeting. The special guest speaker was ESU president Michael Lane. Honored students and sponsor from Emporia High School were Mary Yanik, Hallie Kretsinger and Stephanie Ternes, accompanied by Teresa Maley; from Hartford High School were Blake Edwards, Clay Houser, Lauren Mulsow, Andrew Wiederholt and Raysha Zweimiller, accompanied by Curtis Simons ; from Northern Heights High School were Jed Lee, Richard Hobson, Jordan Heins and Tyler Schnitzler, accompanied by Lisa Preisner; and from Olpe High School, were Megan Cole, Kayla Krueger, August Stueve and Drew Pettijohn, accompanied by Jesse Nelson. Other guests at the meeting were Peggy Lane, Matt Smith and Mike Utech.
In previous meetings, it was announced that the club made financial donations to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Flint Hills; American Legion Sunflower Girls State; Camp Alexander; the Emporia, Northern Heights and Olpe high schools for post-prom and post-graduation parties; to the Emporia Track Club; and to the Boy Scouts. Members also will help with the Keep It a Safe Summer activities fair on May 24.
Elected at the April 19 meeting were Bob Burenheide, president; Steve Graham and Rich Jaggard, vice presidents; and George Durler, secretary-treasurer.