To The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—On April 3, 2023 family and friends were present as 23 outstanding youth from the community were honoured at the Optimist Club of Dunnville Youth Appreciation Recognition Evening. Ten organizations/people in the community nominated the youth for their outstanding efforts in the arts, athletics, academics, and/or community service.
These youth have volunteered their time and talents to the community. Some youth displayed “great mentorship skills”, while others “came prepared … to do the hard work of cleaning horse stalls, handling hay, lifting feed bags, and general barn maintenance.” Others noted that the youth took “everything as an opportunity for growth” and they brought “a smile and a considered, thoughtful approach to their role.”
Youth Appreciation Chair and Optimist Marion Chapman stated, “Their enthusiasm and dedication was wonderful to see and to acknowledge. We (the Optimists) were privileged to honour them on behalf of our community, and to wish them well in all of their future endeavors.”
While 40 hours of community service is mandatory for graduating, several of the youth recognized had volunteered over 100 hours and continue to volunteer. The Optimist Club of Dunnville offers the Christina Pinnance Memorial Scholarship – “Excellence in Volunteerism” to graduating students who have completed at least 100 volunteer hours (50 with the Optimist Club of Dunnville). A graduating student must apply for this scholarship. Applications are due May 31. For more information contact the Optimists at optimistdunnville54@gmail.com or message the Optimists on Facebook.
