Optimist Club of Cerritos
"Bringing Out the Best in Kids"
Programs
The Cerritos Optimist Club conducts programs which encourage youth
to develop various skills, attitudes and ambitions:
International Essay Contest and Oratorical Contests
Childhood Cancer • Respect for Law
Youth Appreciation • Tri-Star Basketball
Middle School Track Meet • Trunk or Treat
Youth & Families in Need • Elementary & Middle School STEM
Essay Contest:
The Essay 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 additional to
developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity
to win a college scholarship.
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Oratorical Contest sponsored by Optimist International:
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program. First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners
at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide two $2,500 scholarships or a first-place scholarship of $2,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,500, and a third-place scholarship of $1,000.
Childhood Cancer:
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? Due to statistics such as these, Optimist Clubs are encouraged to participate in this program by building awareness of the disease, providing assistance to childhood cancer patients and their families and supporting research to find a cure.
The CCC program model is built to accentuate four areas of service on which Members can focus:
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Support to children diagnosed and receiving treatment for cancer
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Support to families and care partners of children with cancer
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Support to health care and service providers
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Support for cancer research
Respect for Law:
Inspire respect for the law among your local young people!
This motivational program can be a community rally against
local violence, a get-acquainted event between youth and
local law enforcement officials, or a “what peace means
to me” poster contest for young kids.
Tri-Star Basketball:
This is a program that focuses on three skills competitions in basketball. More than 1,000 Optimist Clubs across North America currently participate in or sponsor sports leagues or teams. Similar to a punt-pass-kick skills competition, the TriStar Basketball Contest is the perfect way to bring together the youth of your community in a spirit of fun competition. Each skill offers exciting opportunities to promote self-confidence and physical fitness. Because this program does not involve physical contact or advanced skills, it is an ideal activity for every child, even those who may be physically challenged. Tri-Star Basketball Contest is designed for youth ages 8-13, and test three skills in the sport … Dribbling, Passing, and Shooting.
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Youth Appreciation Youth Appreciation projects are intended to make children feel important and highlight their positive contributions to society. Since 1956, this program has given Optimist Clubs the occasion to work with youth toward the common goals of education, career development, physical well-being, and community service. A Club’s Youth Appreciation program can be more than an awards ceremony or a dinner for a few top students. Youth Appreciation is designed to encourage a greater exchange of ideas between young people and adults. Youth Appreciation offers Optimist Clubs the opportunity to make a community impact by holding one or more worthwhile, fun events that involve both adults and children.
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