By Dr. Ferrell Miller
JC Breakfast Optimist Club
Junior Optimist International was officially formed in 1988. It is an umbrella organization which links the local Junior Optimist International Clubs and members to others throughout the world. Members can develop leadership and teambuilding skills all while helping communities.
The purpose of the Junior Optimist International (JOI) Clubs is to provide school and community service, improve club members’ sense of kindness, increase awareness for those in need and increase self-esteem. The foundation for all this is found in The Optimist Creed.
There are currently three JOI Clubs in the state of Kansas. One is in Ottawa and the other two are in Junction City. In 2023, the St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools JOI Club was chartered and on November 1, 2024 the Junction City High School Junior Optimist Club was chartered. Both local JOI Clubs are sponsored by the JC Breakfast Optimist Club. Amy Johnson is the facilitator with the St. Xavier’s Catholic Schools JOI Club and Ricardo Gutierrez facilitates the newly formed JCHS JOI Club.
Officers of the JCHS JOI Club are Morgan Nabus, President; Vice President, Rillyn Hotard, and Gracie Erichson, Secretary/Treasurer. Other charter members include Nevaeh Catabay, Bianca Neth, Blanca Morena, Hannah Micheel, Daniela Astrid Pena, Aeriana Cazee, and Irina Crispin.