Optimists honor local students as part of Youth Appreciation Week

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The Maricopa Optimist Club celebrated their Youth Appreciation Week with a spaghetti dinner for local students, their families and friends Thursday evening at the Maricopa Elementary School cafeteria.

Schools were asked to select students on the basis of their accomplishments, interests, activities, cooperation, attitude and respect for others. The letter to school principals stated, “The Optimist Club honors not only outstanding students who excel but also students who strive to work to the potential of their abilities, whatever that level may be.”

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Harold Klepka, president of the Maricopa Optimist Club.

The club, along with local merchants and individual sponsors, provided the meal and a framed appreciation award for each student.

Ted Ledbetter, Arizona District Lieutenant Governor, was the evening’s master of ceremonies. Pastor Jim Johnson of Maricopa’s First Baptist Church gave both the invocation and the benediction. Also in attendance were past District Governor Tom Hill and his wife, Nancy.

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Superintendent Alma Farrell received an appreciaton award, presented by Ted Ledbetter.

Superintendent Alma Farrell was recognized and given an award for her many years of service to both District 20’s schools and the community. Thanking the club, she told the audience how her niece’s life had been bettered by receiving an Optimist Appreciation Award from the Casa Grande club. “The Optimists really carry out their motto of bringing out the best in kids,” she noted.

District Governor Jim Peckny from Tucson spoke to the group, explaining that the Arizona District consists of 41 clubs and 1,018 members whose purpose is to develop optimism as a way of life. In regard to the students being honored, Peckny explained, “What happens today sets the legacy for our future.”

Students receiving the Youth Appreciation Award were as follows:

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Maricopa Elementary students.

Maricopa Elementary School
Alisandra Andaverde, Cristian Arellanes, Juan Atondo, James Butler, Michelle Foster, Gage Johnson, Ronalda Lewis, Joe Medina, Ariana Narcia, Cecily Peters, Gonzalo Sanchez, Julia Stiner, Bluesky Thompson, Cheyenne Ugalda and Byron White.

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Pima Butte Elementary students.

Pima Butte Elementary School
Katie Bouchat, Alexa Daniel, Amanda Jordan, Diana Melendrez and Mason Rosario.
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Santa Rosa Elementary students.

Santa Rosa Elementary School
Jake Cannon, Deanna Chavanne, Devon Johnson, Sabian Johnson, Alison Korittky, Arianna Luprcio, Erika Lupercio, Reed Pace, TylerPaige, Taran Rhodes, Haily Ruminer, Karianne Saysana, Kendra Trussel, Jordan Turpen and Zoey Wood.

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Maricopa Middle School students.

Maricopa Middle School
Amanda Ahmsaty, Elysia Armstead, Melissa Banuelos, Lulu Barrera, Karissa Browning, Jorge Bustamonte, Jose Cano, Cody Figueroa, Laura Hernandez, Chase Holmes, Angel Lerma, Angelic Molina, Jessica Ngai, Shelby Tuerr and Ryan Yap.
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Maricopa High School students.

Maricopa High School
Beulah Acosta, Eddie Ambriz, Cheyene Calhoun, Vincent Davis, Cody Fields, Erik Gomez, Shelly Hinkle, Nicole Lizarraga, Matt Lowery, Yolanda Luna, Kara Osterland, Lisette Reyes, Frankie Romine, Zoey Santiago and Nikki Teague.
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Yah-ki Middle School students.

Yah-ki Middle School, Bapchule
Monica Nacho, Lucy Martinez, Solonah Mitchell, Amber Stone, Alexcine Blaine, Terry Marrietta, Steven Jackson, Victor Preston, Lauryn Marietta, Joseph Davis, Shane Madrid, Brittany Burnette, Reina Miguel, Shining Star Lewis, Ismael Ruvalcaba, Amanda Lopez, Sarah Bennett, Erik Johnson, Camille Pardonnet, Grant Tungovia, Deshuan Humeyumptewa, Morning Star Lewis, Keisha Isais, Delia Paramo and Cia Tungovia.