Optimists honor 2 students contributions

In the first year of a new program it plans to continue, the Optimist Club of Yavapai County handed out two Youth of the Year awards on May 6 - one to a middle school student and one to a high school student - at a Youth Appreciation night at the Prescott Valley Public Library.

Bradshaw Mountain High School senior Kylie Morris and Glassford Hill Middle School seventh-grader Brayden Green accepted their plaque and a $50 gift certificate from Superintendent Paul Stanton, Humboldt Unified School District.

Teachers from across Prescott Valley nominated 18 students. The Optimist Club invited nominations from 10 schools and received candidates from four: Glassford Hill Middle School, Liberty Traditional School, and Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center.

The Optimist Club strives to recognize students who may not otherwise be recognized for their positive impact on those around them. Youth Appreciation is intended to honor students who are good citizens, support other students, are active in their community, have demonstrated leadership and have overcome challenges.

Kylie's nomination form lists her participation in school and community activities: Girls State delegate, Mu Alpha Theta president, HOSA vice president, and nominee for Prescott Area Youth Leadership Youth of the Year. She has participated in three sports at Bradshaw while earning top grades in her classes. She has volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul and with the Angel Tree project. One challenge she faces is that her father lives in California.

Brayden Green's teachers say she demonstrates good character, loves animals, works with horses and wants to be an animal therapist. She struggles with cystic fibrosis, but "never lets anything get her down," her teachers said.

Nominees also included:

Kennedi McCormick - AAEC

Kristina Matson - AAEC

Jeff Harder - AAEC

Avery Gilbreath - AAEC

Weslee Green - AAEC

Reeann Buta - AAEC

Owen Mayotte - LTS

Kameron Ray - LTS

Julia Goswick - GHMS

Siena De Herrera - GHMS

Kevin Moore - GHMS

Myrian Nolasco - GHMS

Alejandra Ramirez - GHMS

Madai Espinoza - GHMS

Parker Hines - GHMS

Anna Namanny - GHMS

Makenzie Broxemeyer - AAEC

For more information about the Youth Appreciation program, call Michael Whiting at 928-899-8680. For more information about the Optimist Club, visit: www.optimistclubofyavapai.org.