LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Lima Noon Optimist Club hosted its annual Youth Appreciation Luncheon, honoring local high school students for their leadership and service.
Twelve area juniors and seniors were selected by their peers and school administrators for their leadership, good citizenship and volunteer work. The students and their parents were invited to the club’s weekly luncheon, where the honorees were recognized for their contributions to their schools and communities. The Optimist Club says recognizing young leaders is important, as they help shape the next generation.
“We're always looking for good leaders. If they're leaders, if they're younger or teenagers, it's going to populate into their adult life. And then of course, we always need people here at the Optimist Club too,” said Carol Fischbach, president of the Lima Noon Optimist Club.
One of the students honored was Emersyn Painter, a senior at Elida High School. Painter is the secretary of her school’s National Honor Society chapter and is involved in jazz and pep band.
“I mean, sometimes it can be hard to juggle all these things at once, but again, it's about the impact. You know, it's important for things that we do...we get to like influence others, to also follow what we do and be positive themselves,” Painter said.
Students recognized:
Vivian Elrod — 4‑H Ohio State University Extension
Sheldyn Fetter — Allen County Fair
Aniya Prowant — Allen East High School
Michael Sherrick — Apollo Career Center
Daniela Garcia — Bath High School
Emersyn Painter — Elida High School
Andrew Baldauf — Lima Central Catholic High School
Alexandria Weber — Lima Senior High School
Laila Woods — Perry High School
Jackson Niesen — Shawnee High School
Eli Pohlman — Spencerville High School
Russell Powell — Temple Christian School
