Since 1957, Optimist Clubs have recognized youth for their talents in the arts, athletics, academics, and for contributions to community. These individuals demonstrate qualities such as exceptional leadership, selflessness, courage and sincere devotion to the welfare of others.
The Optimist Club of Waterloo North has had the pleasure of hosting Youth Appreciation events for over 25 years. Well over 250 youth have received recognition from our club for the personal and/or community achievements. Typically, family and friends are invited to participate in the celebration; however, this year due to the need to socially distance, Certificates of Acknowledgement along with gift cards were personally delivered to our deserving young leaders.
We congratulate the recipients of their 2020 Youth Appreciation Awards. We also thank our sponsors for their nominations. Allow us now to introduce you to these 10 outstanding youth!
Abby B. is a grade eleven student attending Resurrection Catholic Secondary School. She is passionate about volunteerism, advocacy work and helping others. At school she is involved in various clubs including: DECA, student council and the grade 9 transition program. In her free time, she enjoys teaching dance to children, and baking. Abby is hoping to become a teacher in the future to further pursue her love for education. – Abby was sponsored by Jennifer Fletcher (Send’em Off Smiling)
Manaisha R. is in Grade 6 at Sandowne Public School and is a kind-hearted, sensitive student who goes out of her way to quietly help others. Manaisha works hard in all subjects and is a role model in the classroom, and the school community as a whole, putting forth her best effort on a daily basis. Manaisha’s positive energy is infectious and she takes pride in all her responsibilities; staying organized with her schoolwork and excelling in her extra-curriculars, which include soccer, track, sprinting and piano. Manaisha also advocates for others in the classroom, sharing her kindness and good-will on a consistent basis with all peers and adults she works with. – Manaisha was sponsored by Danielle Holden (Principal – Sandowne Public School)
Logan G. is a highly dedicated grade 12 student at Grand River Collegiate in Kitchener. Logan has been involved in the Kindred Credit Union’s Peace Innovators Scholarship and Mentoring program, wherein she designed and launched a project that addresses awareness of physical disabilities in Waterloo Region. In addition to the Peace Innovators program, Logan is co-leader of GRCI’s Debate Club, French club and Blue Crew and is a participant in St. Paul’s GreenHouse Youth Innovation program. She plays sledge hockey for the Woolwich Thrashers, is assistant coach to the Waterloo Women’s Field Hockey team and is also attending TORCH (The Operation Challenge in Waterloo). Next year, Logan plans to attend the University of Windsor and Detroit Mercy University to study VABE (Visual Arts and the Built Environment) and hopes to open her own architecture firm with a focus on accessible design. – Logan was sponsored by Katie Gingerich (TREE-The Ripple Effect Education)
Sam G demonstrated his devotion to the welfare of others when last year, as part of a school assignment, he was inspired to make a presentation to City Council to ensure pedestrian safety in his community. He urged Council to consider a pedestrian safety solution that had been used in Nova Scotia, where coloured flags are provided at the intersection for pedestrians to use when crossing. It was a low-cost option that improved traffic yielding by up to 8% and had a mostly positive reaction from the community. He advocated for this same traffic calming measure to be used at the Lincoln/Mayfield intersection in Waterloo. As a direct result of his thoughtful presentation, staff were directed to explore the opportunity of using pedestrian crossing flags at selected locations within the City of Waterloo. It is a clear display of his outstanding leadership qualities that Sam was able to maintain his good grades at school while dedicating time towards improving his community. – Sam was sponsored by Jen Vasic (Councilor – City of Waterloo)
Matthew K. is being recognized for his courage in the face of adversity. In 2017 he was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout the long hospital stays in London, never-ending tests and grueling treatments to battle the cancer, Matthew fought hard and demonstrated significant courage. In September of 2019, he graciously shared his inspiring story with our Club. As soon as he was able, he was back to playing hockey and getting involved in extracurricular activities at school. He has not allowed the disease to be what defines him and continues to be a positive role model for those around him. – Matthew was sponsored by Ross Robertson (President – Optimist Club of Waterloo North)
Caroline S. is a grade eleven student attending Resurrection Catholic Secondary School. She is passionate in areas of business, English, and wellness and participates in many school activities in these fields. Outside of school, Caroline enjoys skiing and riding horses. She hopes to continue her hobbies and studies throughout university on her path to study law. – Caroline was sponsored by Jennifer Fletcher (Send’em Off Smiling)
James R. is a grade 10 student at Bluevale Collegiate and has maintained an excellent academic standing while playing on his high school basketball team. He also volunteers his time giving back to Wildhawk Basketball where he helps with their skills camps and is a House League head coach in their Atom Boys Division. His help is not only greatly appreciated by the Wildhawk organization, but also by all the boys that he has impacted as a positive role model. – James was sponsored by Dave MacNeil (Wildhawk Basketball)
Nicole A., a grade 10 student at Bluevale Collegiate is a vital member of the African Caribbean and Black identifying student group, rallying other students and encouraging them to participate. She recently helped to organize the Black History Month Assemblies and volunteered to be one of the MCs for the event. Nicole is also a part of the Equity Team at Bluevale offering insight and concerns regarding equity issues and solutions to both peers and staff. She has been involved in activities through Bluevale’s Choose to Lead Program (C2L) which is focused on the development and enhancement of leadership skills throughout high school. Nicole is also involved in her church and other youth groups where she serves in different leadership roles and works with youth. She has already completed her 40 volunteer hours required for graduation. – Nicole was sponsored by Christine (Madame) Harnack (Teacher – Bluevale Collegiate).
Kate B. is a grade eleven student at Resurrection Catholic Secondary School. She participates in lots of extracurriculars that cater to her passions of sports, wellness, and helping others. At home, Kate can be found playing with her “puggle” (pug/beagle), Rosey, and hanging out with her sister, mom, and dad. She hopes to continue her educational career by applying to university in the fall, as a student who values learning and isn’t afraid of a challenge. – Kate was sponsored by Jennifer Fletcher (Send’em Off Smiling)
Samantha “Sa5m” L. is an 11-year-old grade 6 student from Waterloo. The determination, devotion and dedication toward reaching her goal of excelling at the drums, while her family deals with an emotional ordeal, is an admirable display of courage in the face of adversity. Sa5m wanted to learn to play the drums for her sister Abigayle, who has Neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. Drumming has allowed her to bring joy to her sister and up-lift those around her as well. Twice, Sa5m has competed and placed well in the international “Hit Like a Girl” contest and she continues to practice hard to improve her skills. This year she will dedicate her song choice, performance and entry to Abigayle. Sa5m’s intention to bring happiness and positivity to those around her and her dedication to her sister, represent a generous, unselfish character that deserves recognition. – Sa5m was sponsored by Jen Vasic (Councilor – City of Waterloo)
Congratulations again to these deserving young leaders!
Optimist Club of Waterloo North 
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