Awards

Awards

Remington-Bayless “Friend of Youth Award”

Established August 24, 2005

Photo: Past-President Sharlyn Winstead, Charter Member Jerry Bayless, Charter President Chuck Remington

The Optimist Club Board of Directors has created an annual award to recognize a non-Optimist member or organization within the Phelps County community who demonstrates a strong commitment to the development of youth. The Optimist Club of Rolla encourages members of the community to nominate individuals or organizations who personify “Friend of Youth”. The nomination should include the specific project or program that deserves recognition. The award will contain the names of two charter members, Chuck Remington and Jerry Bayless, honoring their long term commitment to area youth. The Remington-Bayless “Friend of Youth” Award will be awarded the first Wednesday in October of each year at our Annual Installation Banquet.

Criteria for nomination –

	Any person (except for a Rolla Optimist Club member) or a group of people (can include Rolla Optimist Club members)
	A resident of Phelps County for a specific act or project that benefits youth in the Phelps County area
	Direct involvement in a project or program for community youth, other than in support of the Rolla Optimist Club projects or programs

Anyone can make a nomination, including Optimists or those residing outside of Phelps County. Nominations will be accepted by electronic means or through the post office. All nominations must be submitted by August 1st 2006 to be considered. You can find our contact information here.

Excellence in Education Award

The "Optimist Excellence in Education Award" was presented to Nancy Lowrey on September 7, 2005 for her contributions to the Octagon Club of Rolla and her devotion to the youth. Each year the award is presented to a non-optimist member who exemplifies working with youth to provide meaningful educational and life-skills support. Mrs. Lowrey teaches Social Studies at Rolla High School and is the Teacher-Advisor for the Octagon Club. The Octagon Club is a local club which offers the opportunity to meet other students from all over the state and world This year provides an exciting opportunity as the East Missouri District will host its first ever district meeting for Octagon Clubs, which will be chartered in the Spring of 2006. All RHS students interested in becoming an Octagon Club member may pick up an application for membership in Mrs. Lowrey’s room number 217 at RHS.

(Left to Right) Optimist-Octagon Director Larissa Winstead; Optimist President Bradley W. Holthaus; Nancy Lowrey, 2005 Optimist Excellence in Education Award Recipient; Vern Lowrey; Rui Du, Octagon Club Secretary.

Bramlett-Light Award

The Optimist Bramlett-Light Award is an annual award presented to an outstanding member or organization of the Phelps County community. The award is presented during the Optimist Club's annual Respect for Law Banquet generally held the first Wednesday in May. If you wish to nominate an individual or group for this award, please do so by e-mail or postal mail. Please include the name of the individual or group of individuals and why you think they should be considered for this award. You can find our contact information here.

The 2005 recipient of the Bramlett-Light Award was the Phelps County Sheriff's Department. The award was presented at the 2005 Respect for Law Banquet on May 5 to Phelps County Sheriff Don Blankenship on behalf of the entire department for their Cops Care program..

The 2004 recipient of the Bramlett-Light Award was Sergeant Wayne Rapier.

Wayne Rapier has served the Rolla Police Department since 1975. During that time, Wayne has helped many people both in a professional and personal manner. Wayne is one of the most well known law enforcement figures in the Phelps County Area. Wayne has gone above and beyond the call of duty on more than one occasion. He has helped many people during his career and has also served on many volunteer boards, including the Russell House and American Red Cross.

At the time of the award, Sergeant Rapier was assigned as the School Resource Officer for the Rolla Public Schools. Prior to this, he spent many years working the streets of Rolla as an Officer, Detective and later as a Sergeant, supervising younger Officers.

Optimist John Wiggins was presented an Honor Award for his 20 year dedication to the Optimist Girl’s Basketball program. His modeling of the value, “working together each of us can accomplish more,” became the guiding light of success for numerous girls. Many of the participants went on to fulfill their dreams and are contributing members of their respective communities from the lessons taught through the Optimist Girl’s Basketball program. This award was given on April 24, 2004 at the Optimist Club's 40th anniversary celebration.