Story - The Meade County Messenger


Vol. 115, No. 18	April 30 , 2008

What’s an “OK” kid?

Photo by Anne Mullenix
Optimist Club contest winners: Front left to right: Halle Mullenix and Tray Powers, back row left to right: Rachel Harreld, Bobby Rogers and Whitney Pack.

By ANNE MULLENIX
Messenger Staff

According to the Optimist Club, an “OK” kid is a child who displays character traits such as honesty, courage, respect, responsibility and kindness.

Nominations were accepted by the Optimist Club in search of children in the community whose accomplishments, attitudes or efforts made them a positive role model for their peers.

One winner was selected from each of the following: Kindergarten through 3rd-grade, 4th- through 6th-grade, middle school and high school. An awards banquet was held April 22 at the Meade County Extension office to honor these recipients.

This year’s K-3 winner was Halle Mullenix. A student at Brandenburg Primary, Halle was nominated by her grandmother, Doris Milton.

Andrea-Pike Goff presented the award to Halle by reading her nomination letter aloud to the audience. Halle’s grandmother had fallen while taking care of a family pet and broke her shoulder in three places. Halle then ran to the car, got the cell phone and called for help. She also helped take care of her grandmother during her convalescence by fixing meals, cleaning the house, bringing ice packs and even helping her dress. Her letter ends by saying she couldn’t have asked for a better helper.

The 4th–6th-grade winner was Tray Powers. A student from Battletown Elementary, Tray was nominated and presented his award by his teacher, Pat Garcia.

An avid runner, Tray is on the track team at his school. His teacher said he is always striving to be the best. One tract meet stands out in her mind as being very poignant. She said Tray usually places around fourth place, but at this race, he came in close to the bottom of the pack. When asked what happened, he replied that a fellow runner had fallen and he stopped to help, therefore choosing kindness over winning.

The middle school winner was Rachel Harreld. A student at SPMS, Rachel was nominated by her father, Mike Harreld.

Debbie Canavera presented Rachel’s award by summarizing in her father’s words his admiration for his daughter. He believes she is a truly kind person who strives for excellence in school, and making friends is a true joy for her.

Bobby Rogers was the high school winner. A MCHS student, Bobby was presented his award by Kara Hawkins.

Bobby was nominated by teacher Kelly Holley, who called Bobby an outstanding kid, always there for his peers and a truly nice person.

The Optimist Club also sponsored an essay contest for seniors. This year’s scholarship winner was Whitney Pack, MCHS. Whitney was presented her award by Teri Pierce.

Optimists...bringing out the best in kids. Their vision statement promotes patriotism, friendship among all, aid and encouragement of youth ingiving of one’s self in service to others to promote the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.

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