SEVERNA PARK OPTIMISTS’ ANNUAL  YOUTH  RECOGNITION  BANQUET

The Severna Park Optimist Club held its annual Youth Recognition Banquet on November 14, 1007 at the Chartwell Country Club dining room in Severna Park .  In attendance were the honorees and their families, Optimist members, the press, and other well wishers, totaling about 100 persons.

 The program included words of welcome from SPOC President Jim Hubbard, introduction of the head table,  Pledge to the Flag led by Past Lt. Governor and Pres. John Donohue, and Invocation by Past Gov. Jim Williams .  After a delicious dinner of salad, specially prepared chicken and rice with mixed vegetables and bread, guests took to the ice cream bar for delicious ice cream with their choice of a huge array of toppings.  Punch and coffee were also available. 

 Following dinner, Governor Tom Parran III gave inspiring remarks to all assembled.  Emcee Jim Hubbard introduced the speaker for the evening, Midshipman Brigade Commander Sam Rykaczewski.   Sam gave a motivating presentation about “leadership.”  His presentation centered around three major steps toward successful leadership:  setting goals, taking advantage of opportunities/taking on every challenge possible, and having a positive attitude.  Included in his presentation was the provocative concept of  “servant” leadership.   In addition, he also included a question/answer segment at the end.  Midshipman Rykaczewski’s presentation was very well received. 

 After Midshipman Rykaczewski’s presentation, Jim Hubbard proceeded with the introduction of our Honorees for tonight’s recognition awards.  Brief  profiles of each student’s achievements and aspirations were given by Jim Hubbard as the honorees received their certificates.  Each Honoree had the opportunity of having their picture taken with the speaker, Midshipman Rykazewski and MDSD Governor Tom Parran.  Each honoree will get a copy of their photo with Gov. Parran and Midshipman Rykazewski.  Following are the students honored:

            Shelby August – SPHS        Courtney Moser  -  SPHS                   

            Anthony Beckett – SPHS    Brittany Palasik  - Spalding

            Jeff rey Bennett  -  Severn    Eric Robinson  -  SPHS

            Thomas Bennett  -                 Evan Roe   -   Broadneck

            Tyler Bennett  -  SPHS         Stephen Sexauer   -  Severn

            Taylor Binnix  -  SPHS           Marvin Smith  -  Severn

            A. J. Bruninga  -   Severn     Vince Thompson   -  Severn

            Tara Cuzzart  -  Old Mill        Gill Trainor  -  AACS

            Charles DeVeas –                  Zachary Trotta  -  Spalding

            Mari-Ashli Foy  -  AACS         Jenna Wadsworth   -  SPHS

            Robert Keating  -  SPHS        Annie Weber   -  Severn

            Bethany Love  -  Spalding    Michelle Wilke  -  SPHS

            Kenneth Menzies III  -  SPHS

           

AACS = Annapolis Area Christian School

SPHS = Severna Park High School

                                               

 

Our new Lt. Governor for Zone 8, Past Secretary/Treasurer, Paul Hayden, accompanied by his wife Peggy; also a past Lt. Governor,  delivered very complimentary and motivating remarks following the presentation of the honorees.  Jim Hubbard made final remarks to close out the program, followed by Past President Alice Allor leading the recitation of the Optimist Creed by all in attendance.