BY LAURA COLVIN
Clarkston News Staff Writer
When Superintendent Al Roberts stepped in as acting principal at Springfield Plains Elementary, fifth-grader David Rushlow was ready to lend a hand’and didn’t hesitate to say so.
Rushlow was one of 14 students honored May 2 during the Clarkston-area Optimist’s annual Youth Appreciation Breakfast.
‘It took me about 3 seconds at the building to get to know David,? said Roberts, speaking to more than 100 people gathered to honor the students. ‘He came up to me, introduced himself and made sure I knew he was there if I needed any assistance.?
Each year, the Optimist Club asks district schools to nominate youth who exemplify the organization’s values of citizenship, scholarship and leadership.
The Optimists then invite those students, their families, teachers, and principals to a special breakfast where each child is honored for his or her contributions to the community.
Roberts, along with principals and other representatives from the district’s seven elementary schools, took turns introducing and commending the optimistic characteristics of two students’one boy and one girl’from all seven of the district’s elementary schools.
‘We’re taught that giving back to the community is vital,? said Optimist President Rob Bondy. ‘Parents teaching children early on that giving back and helping the kids of this community is what it’s all about.?
The Clarkston area Optimists are part of Optimist International, a volunteer organization that works in a variety of ways to improve and enhance the daily lives and the future of young people.
In order to best serve the individual needs of any given community, each chapter operates autonomously, individually electing officers, raising funds and choosing activities and projects.
‘We’ve done some really big things in this community, and we do some rather small things in the community,? said Optimist President-elect Jean XXX, noting the group’s $10,000 contribution to the local spray park, as well as another $10,000 for area soccer fields. ‘When there’s a need in the community they usually come to the optimists. And if it’s a need that benefits the children of Clarkston, we’re there.?
Each year, the Clarkston area Optimists hold two Youth Apprecaition Breakfasts ? one for elementary students, the other for grades six and higher. Other events include the group’s oratorical contest, Tri-Star Basketball, a scholarship program and a Respect for Law program.
The organization also lends financial support to projects such as Lighthouse North, Clarkston Band Boosters, the CHS Madrigal Singers, and the Elementary School’s Festival of Science.
The Clarkson area Optimist Club meets at 7:30 a.m every Wednesday at the Clarkston Creek County Club located at 6060 Maybee Road.
For more information call 248-625-5915.

Elementary School Awardees

Andersonville Elementary
Carly Giroux
Bret Foltz
Bailey Lake Elementary
Haley Fere
Jack O’Rilley
Clarkston Elementary
Victoria Johns
Austin Ayotte
Independence Elementary
Megan Vondette
Blake Lieder
North Sashabaw Elementary
Andrea Dean
Trevor Lemon
Pine Knob Elementary
Sejal Mehta
Clark Beattie
Springfield Plains Elementary
Courtney Bell
David Rushlow