Optimist Club supports youth in the community

By Dr. Ferrell Miller

JC Breakfast Optimist Club members have recognized the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Academy representative for Junction City High School, and the JC Breakfast Optimist Club/Junction City High School Student of the Month.

The Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Academy will be held at Kansas State University. Each year the JC Breakfast Optimist Club pays the tuition for a student to attend the leadership training. This year’s representative from Junction City High School will be Macie Muto. Ashley Ackerman, JCHS Communication Teacher, shared that “Macie is involved in and outside of school. She is kind, helpful; has straight A’s; does not like to be the center of attention and is a quiet leader.” Macie will attend the leadership academy in June.

(HOBY Leadership Academy Representative) from left to right: Dana Wiegand, JC Breakfast Optimist Club member; Ashley Ackerman, JCHS Communications Teacher; Macie Muto, HOBY Leadership Academy Representative from JCHS; Resia Muto, Macie’s mother and Mark Muto, Macie’s father.

The Optimists also recognized Kimberly Flores-Ruiz as the Junction City High School Student of the Month for February 2022. Sarah Reynolds, JCHS Counselor, stated that “Kimberly is determined and resilient. She is just a ray of sunshine and the person you want to be around. Kimberly has set her sights on the medical field. She is enrolled in the Health Science Pathway at JCHS.” Kimberly is a Senior at JCHS and working full time as a certified CNA. Her plans are to join the Air Force and become a nurse.

JC Breakfast Optimist Club Student of the Month for February 2022 from left to right: Blanca Ruiz, mother of Kimberley Flores-Ruiz; Kimberley Flores-Ruiz, JC Breakfast Optimist Club Student of the Month for February 2022.

The Club has also added Ron and Amy Johnson as new members.