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Bringing Out the Best in Kids Since 1948
What's New?
Easter Egg Hunt
On Saturday, April 19th, the Salem Optimist Club held their annual Easter Egg hunt at the Hammond Elementary School Park in Northeast Salem. The great turnout of kids ages 1-10 took less than 15 minutes to find all 1000 eggs that club members had "hidden" earlier that morning. Listening to the excited voices of all these kids made for a great start to the Easter weekend.
Check out more photos of the event on our photo gallery page.
Celebrating North Salem and Sprague High School Students
On Thursday April 17th, the Salem Optimist Club held their last Youth Appreciation luncheon of the current school year at the Salem Keizer Career Technical Education Center (CTEC). Club members were joined by faculty and family members as we had the priviledge to meet and hear about the accomplishments of five outstanding students from North Salem and Sprague High Schools who are very deserving of this recognition.
A special thank you to all the schools that participated in this year's Youth Appreciation Program and to the Culinary Arts students at CTEC for the great meals.
What are We About?
Introduction
The Optimist Club of Salem is one of over 2,500 Optimist International (OI) service clubs worldwide. OI conducts more than 65,000 service projects, and spends over $78 million annually to benefit youth in their communities.
Since its inception in 1948, the Salem club has been actively involved in scores of community projects which has benefited thousands of kids over the years.
Our Projects
-Salem Kids Relays (Co-Sponsored by COUNTRY Financial, City of Salem, Doty Pruett Wilson PC Certified Public Accountants, Green Acres Landscape, Dutch Bros Coffee)
Over 1,500 elementary school participants have fun at this track and field event and it's a joy for all involved. More Information can be found at their Facebook Page and pictures can be found on our photo gallery page
-Youth Appreciation
For over 30 years our club has been recognizing local high school students for their accomplisments in areas such as math and science, fine and performing arts, vocational technology, community service and academics. Over these years we have had the privilege to present awards to over 1,000 very deserving students and in return have received a renewed sense of "Optimism". See our Youth Appreciation page for pictures and information about some of our recent award recepients.
-Easter Egg Hunt
Serving around 100 kids aged 1 - 10 (check out pictures on our photo gallery page).
-Donations
We also make annual contributions to the YMCA, high school drug and alcohol-free graduation parties, and scholarships for kids to attend a variety of camps and competitions.
Richmond Elementary School
Our club has partnered with this community school to provide rewards for student achievement. Quarterly award receptions for students and families provide opportunity to celebrate student accomplishments.
Richmond Elementary (2020-2021)
The club was pleased to present the Optimist Award to fourteen students at Richmond Elementary School during the 2020-2021 school year. Students were nominated for following rules, doing the best they are able, helping others, and spreading cheer are recognized at school assemblies with an award certificate and a gift card for a small treat. We are so happy to partner with counselor Willow Snow-Ferris and the rest of the school staff to celebrate these Richmond good citizens.
The Optimist Creed
Promise Yourself...
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Club Information
Pacific Northwest - Salem Oregon
Charted on February 20, 1948
Our Current Club President is Paul Negstad
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