An Okotoks service club is on the hunt for the community’s most optimistic youth.
The Okotoks Optimistic Club is looking for submissions for its first Hunt for Optimism to recognize youth who have persevered and shown positive attitudes over the past year.
Amy Giroux, president of the club, said she heard about the award through an Optimist Club in the U.S. and thought it could be valuable in Okotoks.
“We have so many youth, and so many resilient youth who have been through so much already this year, just to pat them on the back and give them a high five and say we’re proud of you for what you’ve been through and what you can achieve,” said Giroux.
Nomination letters of about 1,000 words or videos of five minutes or less can be sent via email to [email protected]. Deadline for submissions is June 30.
All youth under the age of 18 are eligible if they have exhibited qualities the Optimist Club is looking for, said Giroux.
“We’re hoping people can nominate members of the community who have a positive mindset, that make the most out of challenging situations, fix something until the outcome is achieved and have a positive influence on people around them,” she said.
“Just somebody who brings the sunshine every day and just somebody you’re proud of in your family, your community.”
Judges from the Optimist Club will mark each nomination with a set of criteria, and the submission with the highest score will win the Okotoks Most Optimist Award. All other nominees will receive a small gift of recognition as well, she said.
“You can’t grade optimistic people – everybody has done a good job, so let’s just give them a little prize as well,” said Giroux.
An outdoor awards celebration is tentatively planned for Aug. 25, though the location is yet to be determined, depending upon any health restrictions in place at the time.
If the response is positive enough, she said the Hunt for Optimism may become an annual event.
It’s a great way to highlight the success and determination of young people in Okotoks, which fits in with the goals of the Optimist Club, she said.
“Our mission statement is bring out the best in our youth, the community and ourselves, and with the last year we just want to honour the people who have been their best selves and make sure people can continue on with that,” said Giroux.
