Club Essay Contest Winners

Last Tuesday’s meeting was reserved for the 2013-2014 winners of the John Bareis Essay Contest Scholarships. Contestants from Hillsboro were tasked with writing a 700-900 word essay on the following topic; “How Dreams Lead to Success”.

    The winners attended the breakfast meeting and read their essays to the club, then received their medals and certificates.

                           

    (L to R:Second Place winner Alana Baldwin-Joiner of Hillsboro High School, Third Place Winner Jordan Stoll from Century High School, Essay Contest Chair Sarah Newton, and First Place Winner Anisha Datta from Glencoe High School). Photo by: Jack Thornton

Scholarship season continues, join us at Regionals!

Two contestants from the Hillsboro Optimist Club’s 2013 Oratorical Contest have been invited to Regionals in Newport this year. First place winner Emily VanVleet and Second place winner Luke Berdahl will be attending the Regional competition with other youth from around the state. Members interested in joining the students to show their support for the program and the host Optimist Club, should contact Kathy Jungels. The regional competition will take place on April 27th at 1128 28th Avenue, Albany, Oregon.

    The Ross Mathews Scholarship continues it’s long tradition as well this year, with students once again being eligible for the $1,000 scholarship. Applications from Hillsboro High School seniors interested in attending school on a medical science or mortuary studies path are encouraged to apply. Applications can be found on the Hillsboro Optimist Club website and Facebook page.

2013 Oratorical Contest Held At Weekly Meeting

Today’s meeting included a special treat, the 2013 Oratorical contestants! Three students from the Hillsboro area came and read their speeches on ‘Why My Voice is Important’. Photos from the event can be found on the club Facebook page.

Judges and the timekeeper deliberated while club business was discussed, and gave their results to Oratorical Contest Co-Chairs Kathy Jungels and Sarah Newton. Prizes were then awarded at the end of the meeting.

    The First Place winner was Emily VanVleet. Emily also won 2nd place in this year's John Bareis Essay Contest, making this her second appearance at the Hillsboro Optimist Club meetings. Our 2nd Place Winner was Luke Berdahl, and our 3rd Place Winner was Gerritt Schmidlkofer.

                

                        Emily VanVleet, Luke Berdahl, and Gerritt Schmidlkofer

2013 Essay Scholarship Contest Comes to a Close

The Hillsboro Optimist Club would like to inform you of our 2013 John Bareis Essay Contest Winners.

The John Bareis Essay Scholarship is named for John Bareis, a long-time member of the Hillsboro Optimist Club. Bareis joined the club in 1984, and served in many roles in the club and the district level of Optimist International. The annual essay contest was a favorite project for Bareis, and throughout his time with the club he served as Essay Scholarship Chair, administering the contest for the Hillsboro Optimist Club.

This contest requires students under the age of 19 who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent to compose a 700- to 800-word essay around a central idea, this year’s topic was, “How can I help my friends realize their value?”

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  Jacob Pavlik

  The 1st Place winner, earning a $500 scholarship, with the chance to advance to Regionals, was Glencoe High School student Jacob Pavlik.
  
  
  Jacob is involved in many school activities, from raising money for Doernbecher through Mr. Glencoe Pageants, to participating in the Speech and Debate team.
  
  
  Also active outside of school, Jacob is a member of the City of Hillsboro's Youth Advisory Council, and recently returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. to be a part of the National League of Cities Annual Legislative Conference.
  
  
  
  

  

  Emily VanVleet

  
  
• The 2nd Place winner, earning a $300 scholarship, was a Century High School student, Emily VanVleet.
  
  
  Emily has been involved in numerous school activities including Swim Team, raising money for UNICEF with classmates, and Speech and Debate team.
  
  
  Emily is also a member of the City of Hillsboro's Youth Advisory Council, and joined Pavlik on the trip to Washington, D.C. to be a part of the National League of Cities Annual Legislative Conference. She offered advice in a recent The Oregonian interview, "Don't let being busy and being stressed out hold you back," as advice to other students.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Taylor Frank

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The 3rd Place winner, earning a $200 scholarship was Taylor Frank, a Glencoe High School student.
  
  
  Taylor Frank, a senior this year, was involved in Glencoe High School swim team for several years.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Rachel Gibbs

  
  
  
• Earning an Honorable Mention award was Rachel Gibbs, a Glencoe High School student.
  
  
  
  
  Rachel is another member of the City of Hillsboro's Youth Advisory Council, and joined Pavlik and VanVleet in Washington, D.C. this month.
  
  
  At Glencoe, Rachel has been involved in Cross Country and Lacrosse.
  
  
  
  
  
  

The Hillsboro Optimist club also pledged to award $100 to the school that submitted the most entries from students, Glencoe High School’s Graduation Night fund will be awarded that prize.

(L to R) Contest Co-Chair Sarah Newton, Honorable Mention Winner Rachel Gibbs of Glencoe High School, 3rd Place Winner Taylor Frank of Glencoe High School, 2nd Place Winner Emily VanVleet of Century High School, 1st Place Winner Jacob Pavlik of Glencoe High School, Club Vice President and Contest Co-Chair Kathy Jungels.

Scholarship Season!

The deadline for the 2013 John Bareis Essay Contest has been set for February 18th. If you or someone you know needs an application, you can download one by clicking on this link: LINK.
     Don't forget that the winners will receive a cash prize, with the first place winner advancing to the PNWD competition, with a larger scholarship prize available.
     The 2013 Oratorical Contest is also approaching, with the deadline April 1, 2013. The speeches will be given and judged on Saturday, April 6, 2013. Winners will also receive cash prizes, with the opportunity to advance to the PNWD competition with a larger prize as well. The application can be found here: LINK.

A Thank You From Aishwayra Vardhana

     Aishwayra Vardhana, daughter of Hillsboro Optimist Club member Ananda Vardhana visited the club this morning to thank Optimist International as well as the Hillsboro Optimist Club for their support of her over the years.
     Aishwayra may be remembered as a former Oratorical contest winner and contestant, as well as a former Essay contest winner and contestant.
     Now in her freshman year at Stanford, she is enjoying the challenge of her academics, the fun of her rowing sports career, and the experience that participating in Optimist events has given her.
     Aishwayra will return to Stanford after the Christmas break, during which she will be helping at Hillsboro Optimist volunteer events.

2012-2013 Essay Contest Rules Released

2012-2013 Essay Contest Rules Released

The Hillsboro Optimist Club informed local schools of their current essay contest for the 2012-2013 school year.

Applications will be accepted from now until February 1, 2013. Final judging will take place February 8, 2013. Winners of the Hillsboro Competition will be notified and asked to read their essays at a Hillsboro Optimist Club meeting following the contest.

The club encouraged English teachers to use this as a class project or as extra credit.

• 1st Prize will be $500, with the chance to advance to Regionals.
• 2nd Prize will be $300.
• 3rd Prize will be $200.

The Hillsboro Optimist Club will also give each school the chance to earn an extra $100 to fund their Graduation Night or General Fund. The school that sends the club the most contestants will win the $100 prize.

All information is enclosed in the rules form provided. Please contact the Hillsboro Optimist Club with any questions or concerns.

Oct. 23, 2012 Meeting

October 23, 2012 Meeting

Presided over by President Monte Akers

Gear up again with NW Bicycle Safety Council

Bruce Buffington of the NW Bicycle Safety Council spoke today at the Hillsboro Optimist Club meeting. Buffington, a long-time partner with the Hillsboro Optimist volunteers, and a current member of the Beaverton Optimist Club, reviewed the progress made in 2012 to help children bike safely. This included the distribution and fitting of 1,555 helmets for children, giving out 900 identification tags and 500 reflective safety stickers.
Buffington also announced dates in 2013 for possible Optimist volunteering. To volunteer at any of the dates, visit the NW Bicycle Safety Council's website at www.nwbicyclesafetycouncil.org.

Local locations for volunteering:

Jackson Elementary School Safety Fair, Apr. 27, 2013
Farmington View Elementary Scouts P874, May, 2013
Banks National Night Out, August 2013
Big Trucks Days THPRD, Aug. 10, 2013
Beaverton, Banks and Beyond Bicycle Tour, Aug. 24, 2013

In Memory of John Bareis, a Legacy of Service 

John Bareis, Hillsboro Optimist member, passed away this week.
Bareis was a faithful member of the Hillsboro Optimist Club, having joined in March of 1984. Bareis served in many capacities over the last 28 years, Club President, Lt. Governor of Zone 10, Club Secretary, District Oratorical Chairman and the Sergeant of Arms for the Hillsboro Optimist Club.
Bareis also was active in bringing guests to the meetings, and selling raffle tickets for 'free' breakfasts at those meetings. He also collected funds in the 'penny jar' for the Childhood Cancer Foundation.
An avid sport enthusiast, he supported the Eldon Keller Invitational Track meets and enjoyed golf. Bareis was also a regular at the Forest Grove Antique Car Show.
A memorial service will be held on November 9th at 1 p.m. at the Evergreen Christian Center. The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Ross Mathews Scholarship Fund.

Volunteers Sought for Samaritan's Purse Program, Operation Christmas Child

The Hillsboro Optimist Club was visited by Andy and Gail Haboush from Operation Christmas Child, a gift-giving program run by Samaritan's Purse.
Andy and Gayle asked for volunteers to fill a shoebox for a child this holiday season and bring them to drop-off locations for distribution worldwide.
"These children have nothing," Gail Haboush said.
Box contents suggested were every day items that most take for granted, soap, socks, small toys, or a book or journal. Boxes are available, or as shown in the picture, small plastic containers can be used as well.
Collection week for the gifts is November 12-19, and local drop-off locations include the Banks Community United Methodist Church and the West Valley Community Church.

Oct. 16, 2012 Meeting Minutes

October 16, 2012 Meeting
Presided over by Secretary Tammi Hilp

Senator Starr, former Optimist member visits

Senator Bruce Starr speaking at the
Hillsboro Optimist Weekly Meeting

     Although very busy with the upcoming election in which Republican Senator Bruce Starr will be running for the office of Labor Commissioner, the former Optimist member found time this morning to meet with the club and discuss the benefits of collaboration.
     Many of the issues discussed were familiar to members, high unemployment, businesses outsourcing, or new businesses deciding not to locate in Oregon. Starr discussed the ways in which he plans to work on the commission to bring 'stakeholders to the table' to make businesses successful in Oregon, building bridges in the business communities to bring more jobs to Oregonians.
     "This election is so important, the choices we make on this ballot are very important," Senator Starr said. The senator explained that there are so many important elections and issues to be voted on this election season, and he hoped that everyone would fill out their ballots - which should arrive this week.
     Senator Starr closed his speech answering questions, and with this not often heard sentiment, "I'd ask for your vote, but more than that, I ask you to exercise your right to vote."

Oratorical and Essay Contest Topics Chosen

     

      The yearly oratorical and essay contests are being planned by Vice President Kathy Jungels. The Board Meeting tomorrow night will finalize some of the details on those contests, as well the Ross Mathews scholarship.

     The Ross Mathews Scholarship is named after Ross Mathews, charter member of the Hillsboro Optimist Club.

• 2012-2013 Essay Topic: How can I help my friends realize their potential?
• 2012-2013 Oratory Topic: Why my voice is important.

44th Annual Installation Banquet a Success

Left to Right: New President Monte Akers, Board Member George Waldron,
Vice President Kathy Jungels, Secretary Tammi Hilp, Board Member Dennis Sprague,
Board Member Tony Montes, and Treasurer Chris Knight.

    October heralded the sign of things to come for the Hillsboro Optimist Club. The 2012-2013 Club Officers were sworn in by former Governor of the PNWD Bill French after kind remarks from exiting President Kathy Jungels.
    New President Monte Akers remarked on the importance of recruiting new members, and the continued service of the club to the truly needy in our community; children.    
    Jungels echoed this sentiment in her vow to spearhead the golf tournament next year, as well as continue to recruit not only new members, but new ideas for the club.
    Members adjourned to a meal provided by the Meriwether Golf Club and music provided by Linda Smith of Notes of Celebration.

Optimist Creating new Lego Robotics Program
    
     Hillsboro Optimist member Sue, is once again up to her usual mischief as Ananda Vardhana puts it - this time creating a Lego Robotics program for a local school. The program prepares children for creative competitions throughout the year.
    
    Teams of children use lego kits to design a robot to defeat obstacles in a given time period. The first State Championship was held this year in January in Hillsboro, with the teams of children who won advancing onto the next levels of competition around the country.

Matt Ferguson – 2012 Oratorical and Essay Contests winner

Matt Ferguson – 2012 Oratorical Contest Winner

Matt Ferguson was named  the Hillsboro Optimist club Oratorical winner for 2011-2012.  He presented his speech to the group at our evening gathering in March and we were blown away by his presentation and passion for others. You can see more about Matt’s Chemo Bags at his website: mattschemobags.com/ He is currently presenting his oratorical at the regional and national level – good luck Matt!! 

Matt Ferguson
2012 Winner

The following is Matt’s own words on what he is planning for the future.

"My name is Matt Ferguson. I am 17 and a senior at Liberty High School. I am the All Student Body President at Liberty and I play Varsity football and baseball. In 2008 my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Our family’s life changed forever on that day. While visiting my mom at the oncology clinic I saw patient’s that were alone with no support of family and friends. I vowed to make sure cancer patient’s knew someone cared about them and their recovery. I created “Matt’s Chemo Bags” in 2008 and it was approved as a 501 (3) c organization in 2010. We provide chemo bags filled with comfort items to breast and ovarian cancer patients in Oregon, Washington and Northern California.

In August I will be attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. I will be studying business administration and non-profit management. With my awesome team of volunteers “Matt’s Chemo Bags” will continue serving cancer patients, one bag at a time. After college I hope to expand my organization nationwide."

Hillsboro Optimists offer annual oratorical contest

The Hillsboro Argus, January 27, 2012

The Optimist Club of Hillsboro is encouraging area students to speak their minds on the topic "How My Optimism Helps Me Overcome Obstacles," as part of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for the 2011-2012 year.

The Optimist Club will judge the local students' speeches based on content and presentation to determine the top winners. The first-place winner will receive $500, while $300 will be awarded second place and $200 for third place. The winning speeches will be sent to the zone level, and possibly the district level for the opportunity to win college scholarships of $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000.

Students under the age of 18 (as of Dec. 31) who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent, are eligible to participate.

"As they prepare for their futures, many of our local students need experience expressing their thoughts and opinions to an audience," Club President Kathy Jungels said. "The Oratorical Contest challenges them to do just that and also offers an opportunity for scholarships. In this way, our club hopes to bring out the best in each of them and help them achieve their goals for the future."

The deadline to hand in speeches is March 1. Students wishing to participate in the oratorical contest can find out more about the contest by contacting their teacher, their school office, or the Optimist Club at 503-640-1848. Entries must be mailed to the Hillsboro Optimist Club, P.O. Box 314, Hillsboro, Ore. 97123.

The Optimist Club of Hillsboro has been participating in the Optimist Oratorical Contest for 43 years and has been active in the community since 1968. Other programs and service projects the Club is involved in include Essay Contest, Student Appreciation, Teacher Appreciation, Respect for the Law, etc.

Optimist International is one of the world's largest service club organizations with 100,000 adult and youth members in 3,400 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico and throughout the world. The Optimist Oratorical Contest is one of the organization's most popular programs, with more than 2,000 clubs participating annually.

Carrying the motto "Bringing Out the Best in Kids," Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, please call 314-371-6000, or visit the organization's website at www.optimist.org.

Optimists' Mathews Scholarship presented to Kevin Pasternostro

By The Hillsboro Argus July 01, 2011

The Optimist Club of Hillsboro held its annual Ross Mathews Scholarship Award presentation at its weekly Tuesday morning club meeting at the Hillsboro Senior Center.

The award went to Kevin Paternostro who graduated from Hillsboro High School. Paternostro is the son of Anthony and Karen Paternostro of Aloha. His student advisor, Jessica Halpern, accompanied him.

This fall Pasternostro is planning to attend Oregon State University, where he will begin studies to become a doctor. He is a full International Business honor student and has been active in sports and extracurricular activities at school and in the community.

Pasternostro was the founder and president of Peace Club at Hillsboro High School. He has also done volunteer work at the Elks’ Lodge Food and Toy Drive, played in charity softball games, gone on mission trips and has been an Outdoor School leader.

Pasternostro is passionate about becoming a doctor, because he believes in the selfless work doctors perform as service to the public.

The members of the Hillsboro Optimist Club congratulate him.

The scholarship is named after Ross Mathews, a charter member of the Optimist Club of Hillsboro. Mathews has held many local Optimist offices, recruited numerous new members and has held offices at the international level. He lives by the Optimist creed and has long been a true friend of youth.