South Strand Optimist Club honors high school students

The South Strand Optimist Club honored four high school students on November 17 during the club’s “Against All Odds” program sponsored by the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office

The program was held at the club’s monthly meeting at Applewood House of Pancakes, 14361 Ocean Highway in Litchfield. It recognizes students, who through an extremely difficult situation, have overcome disadvantages and excelled in academic and still managed to excel in academics and extracurricular activities. They are juniors and seniors from public schools on the South Strand, which are St. James High School, Waccamaw High School and Georgetown High School. The programed was chaired by Jim Joyce, Charter Member and Board Member

Those honored were: Lauryn Evans-Holliday, Georgetown High School, who was nominated by Kim Finley, GHS Counselor; Jamisa Lewis, Waccamaw High School, who was nominated by Briael Chadwell, WHS English Teacher; Tanya Pinette, St. James High School, who was nominated by Michele A. Gallagher, SJHS Lead Counselor; and Charlotte Robinson, St. James High School, nominated by Janice McBride, SJHS Counselor.

The South Strand Optimist Club serves the Town of Surfside Beach, the communities of Burgess, St. James, Garden City Beach, Murrells Inlet, the Waccamaw Neck, and the City of Georgetown.

“Optimist Clubs are known throughout the world for ‘Bringing Out the Best in Kids. Locally, our slogan is “Recognizing Future Leaders,” said Marty Waltemyer, program coordinator.

The South Strand Optimist Club welcomes new members. “If you would like to be involved in recognizing our community’s youth and those that assist them, we welcome you to join our club,” President Bill Sharp said.

The following is the Optimist Creed. (And some good words for Thanksgiving Day.)

“Promise Yourself - To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.”

For information, call Marty Waltemyer at 610-5088 or 235-0671.

This story was originally published November 24, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "South Strand Optimist Club honors high school students."