BROOKINGS – The 2021-22 fiscal year of the Optimist Club of Brookings draws to an end with a $78,301 impact. The Brookings community youth programs, activities, scholarships and events has earned support by promoting a positive representation of the club motto “Friends of Youth.”

The Optimist Club of Brookings is dependent on community members to support our major funding sources, the Avenue of Flags, and the Concession Stand sales. With your financial support the Optimist Club pursues matters that demonstrate the ability to “Bring the Best Out in Youth, in Ourselves and in Our Community.”

The Optimist Club of Brookings contributions include the Brookings School District, Brookings Band and Choir Boosters, Brookings Clubs of Wrestling, Swimming, Bowling, Library, the Entringer Classic, SDSU Her Turn, Gold Medal Gymnastics, Foster Family picnic, Salvation Army, BATA, Christmas, Kids and Cops, Optimist International Jr. Golf, Essay and Oratory contests, Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program and 4-H Shooting Sport, Safety Town, Trail Life Troop SD5511, American Heritage Girls SD5512, Family Back 2 School, GAP, Harvest Table, Kelly McGeough Foundation, SDSU Youth Strings Project, Kite Festival and the Trout Extravaganza.

In addition, The Optimist Club of Brookings offers six $1,000 high school scholarships to area youth. Denny Micko, a 48-year member, was honored by his Optimist family with a $10,000 donation to the Brookings Boys & Girls Club. A $10,000 one-time donation was presented to the Brookings Food Pantry. 

The Optimist Club understands the importance of collaboration and recognizes the importance of the programs that will share space.

Brookings County youth are encouraged to participate in the following Optimist International scholarship contests. The Essay, Oratorical and Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing are open to students that meet the criteria. (www.optimist.org) Qualified youth may earn scholarships up to $22,500. The DMM Junior Optimist International Golf Qualifying event is held in Hartford. The annual International Jr. Golf Tournament is held in Florida and brings 60 to 80 college recruiters to observe golfers during the international event. If you are interested in any Optimist youth programs reach out by emailing optimistbrookingsclub@gmail.com .

When the Optimist Club of Brookings was formed, it was created with high ideals. It was established to promote and accelerate active interest in good government; to plan and participate in needed community service activities; to inspire respect for law; to promote patriotism; to help develop friendship and understanding toward people throughout the world.

The new club year began Oct. 1,  the officers and board members were installed on Sept. 20 by Past Dakotas, Manitoba, Minnesota District (DMM) Gov. Sally Damm Norby. President-Arlo Jurrens, President Elect-Jan Stange, Second VP Dave Norby, Secretary/Treasurer-Sally Damm Norby, Optimist International Foundation Representative-Brad Konechne, Immediate Past President-Carol Thomas, board members Axton-Betz-Hamilton, Phil Hogie, Jim Allen, Terry Wendt and Dee Bormann.

The members of the Optimist Club connect, on Tuesday at noon, in the Pizza Ranch’s private rooms. 

Anyone interested in expanding optimism is welcome to share lunch time and network with optimists members.