Community

Childhood Cancer Campaign

Did you know that each year more than 12,000 children and teenagers will be diagnosed with cancer? Did you also know that one in every 330 Americans develops cancer before the age of 20? Because of statistics such as these, Optimist Clubs are encouraged to participate in this program by building awareness of the disease, providing assistance for children and their families, and supporting research to find a cure.
 

Youth Basketball Program

The Vandalia-Butler Optimist Club has been sponsoring this program since 1992. The program is open to boys and girls in grades 4 through 12 whom live in Vandalia or Butler Township.

Essay Contest

This contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person's personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In addition to the opportunity for written expression, participants have the opportunity to win college scholarships. The topic selected each year is intended to give young people the room to develop their own views around a central idea.

Oratorical Contest

The speech contest is designed to inspire today's youth to motivate and inform others through the art of public speaking. It provides young people with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship and express their views on pre-assigned topics.

 

Youth Appreciation

The award is given to a student who has faced a very tough obstacle in life and overcome it with an optimistic attitude.

The winners receive an Appreciation plaque. They also represent the Vandalia-Butler Optimist Club at the District Optimist Recognition Reception in November each year at the Presidential Banquet Center. 

Teacher Appreciation

Teacher Appreciation Day recognizes teachers in the school district that have displayed outstanding work ethics, exceptional interpersonal relationships and respect among colleagues and students, along with a cheerful and enthusiastic attitude toward teaching. The Octagon Club at Butler High School coordinates the annual Teacher of the Year contest. Students in the club initiated this event as part of Teacher Appreciation Day. The entire student body has the opportunity to vote for their choice of the top educator at Butler High School. The announcement of the Teacher of the Year is made on Teacher Appreciation Day (during a Tuesday Optimist Club meeting). Past recipients of this award have been Ron Johnson, Mike Bardonaro, Lonnie Hathaway, Bob Dadey, and Tom Young. Congratulations to the 2008 Teacher of the Year - Mr. Steve Stalter. *Pictured with Greg Dixon (Fox 45/Channel 22) and Octagon President, Lori B
See more pictures from the event!