Pictured, from left, are Rafay Cheema, Aidyn Marty, Taylor Reiter, Hannah Shorts and Ed Jurotich, Club President
The Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Optimist Club recognized four seniors in the Wentzville School District as winners of the 2023-2024 Harold Simpson Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarships are awarded based on an essay theme. This year’s theme “Optimism: How it Connects Us” brought many thoughtful and provoking essays to the judges.
“So many great essays were contributed by the students,” reported Dianne Ohlms, club member and Zone Lt. Governor.
The winners attended an award ceremony hosted by the club where each read their essay and received a $500 scholarship.
“We are so very proud of the students and wish them the very best in their continued education. They are a great example of Optimism and a bright future for our community.”
Rafay Cheema advanced to the Eastern Missouri Optimists District level competition and competed for an additional $2,500 scholarship.
The Wentzville – Lake St. Louis Optimist Club has been serving the community since 1986. Reformed in 2017, their mission “Helping kid’s dreams come true” guides their efforts to inspire kids to be active community members through service. The club hosts the annual Turkey Trot race, benefiting Holt Cross-Country Team, and funding the annual scholarship program. The club also initiated the “Students as Parents” program within the Wentzville School District, where supplies are offered to help students who are facing young parenthood while endeavoring to complete their high school education. The club also works in partnership with both Wentzville and Lake St. Louis Police Departments, to support community outreach programs such as: Wentzville Junior Police Academy, Health and Fitness Fair, Lake St. Louis Open House, Polar Plunge, and Holiday Trim a Tree, as well as supporting two lending libraries within the community. Learn more about the Wentzville-Lake St. Louis Optimist Club at #wlsloc.
Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with over 80,000 adult and youth members in 2,500 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and throughout the world. Carrying the motto “Friend of Youth,” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, please call (314) 371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org.
