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Check on the full and latest news articles on the Southfield Lathrup-Village Optimist Club

Join the Conversation: Teen Mental Wellness Community Forum

[posted March 25, 2025]

Mental health is a vital conversation—especially for today’s youth. Join us on Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at the Southfield Public Library for the Teen Mental Wellness Community Forum, where students, parents, and guardians can engage in meaningful discussions about mental health challenges, resilience, and breaking stigmas.

What to Expect

Hosted by Trish Wyatt, LMSW, this event will feature R.E.A.L. (Respectful, Engaging, Actionable, Lasting) Talk! bringing together professionals to discuss:
🔹 Triggers – Southfield Police Department’s Lieutenant Teresa Young & Officer Brandon Walker
🔹 Symptoms & StigmasDr. Theadia Carey & Dr. Dayne Sherrell
🔹 Diagnosis & Mental Wellness – Licensed Clinical Professionals
🔹 Managing Stress & Problem-Solving – Accredited Trainers

Enjoy a Youth Symposium, dance performances, raffles, food, and mental health resources, all in a safe space for open conversation.

Student Essay Contest – Share Your Voice!

The Optimist Club of Southfield-Lathrup Village is hosting an essay contest for 6th–12th grade students in Southfield and Lathrup Village.

📌 Essay Topics (Choose 2-4):
📅 Deadline: Monday, April 21, 2025
📩 Submit to: slvoptimist@gmail.com
🏆 Prizes: Monetary awards for 1st – 3rd place winners & potential scholarships!

Full contest application and details on our “Youth Programs” page.

Empowering Young Musicians: The Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship 2025

[posted March 18, 2025]

Music has the profound ability to inspire, uplift, and transform lives. For high school instrumentalists in Michigan, the Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to further their musical education and passion. Now in its third year, this scholarship is dedicated to supporting students in grades nine through eleven, helping them enhance their skills and deepen their love for music.

About the Scholarship

The Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship was established with the mission to provide financial assistance to talented high school musicians. The scholarship funds can be utilized for various purposes, including:

Private Lessons: Personalized instruction to refine technique and artistry.

Music Camps: Immersive experiences that offer intensive training and performance opportunities.

Instrument Upgrades: Acquiring new instruments or enhancing existing ones with better accessories, such as bows or mouthpieces.

By alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with musical development, the scholarship aims to encourage long-term involvement in music performance and education.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Residency: Attend high school in the state of Michigan or be sponsored by a current Michigan District Optimist Club.

Grade Level: Be in the ninth (9th) through eleventh (11th) grade.

Music Program Participation: Be current members of their high school instrumental or orchestral music program.

These criteria ensure that the scholarship reaches dedicated students committed to their musical growth.

Application Process

Interested students are required to complete the following steps:

Application Form: Fill out the student application form available on the scholarship’s official website.

Teacher Recommendation: Obtain a recommendation from a music teacher who can attest to the applicant’s skills and dedication.

Performance Video: Submit a video recording of a musical performance, lasting between two to five minutes, showcasing the applicant’s proficiency.

All application materials must be submitted by April 15, 2025. Applicants will be kept informed about the status of their application throughout the selection process.

Selection and Awards

A total of $2,000 will be awarded to deserving high school students in Michigan. The scholarship committee will review applications based on the completeness of the application, the teacher’s recommendation, and the quality of the performance video.

Scholarship recipients will be announced during the Michigan District Optimists Third Quarter Conference in May 2025. The exact time and date will be determined and communicated to applicants. Should there be any changes due to unforeseen circumstances, such as public health concerns, announcements will be made via USPS mail.

Utilizing the Scholarship

Scholarship awards must be used by September 15, 2025. If the scholarship is intended for private lessons, recipients are required to maintain a Private Lesson Verification Log, which should be submitted to the scholarship committee no later than October 1, 2025. Payment will be made directly to the student within thirty days after the log has been received and verified.

Supporting the Scholarship

The Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship thrives on the generosity of individuals and organizations passionate about music education. Donations to fund the scholarship can be sent to the Optimist International Foundation (OIF) care of the Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship. Any amount contributed will supplement the founders’ contributions and will be entirely awarded to student winners.

Contact Information

For any questions or further information, please contact the Scholarship Committee:

Debra Berry

Phone: 248/467-0592 Email: deb@debinparis.com

Michelle Kauffold

Phone: 313-510-6300 Email: newmichelle@att.net

The Berry/Kauffold Music Scholarship stands as a testament to the commitment of nurturing young musical talent in Michigan. By providing financial support and encouragement, the scholarship helps students pursue their musical dreams and contributes to the cultural enrichment of the community. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility criteria, consider applying for this opportunity to further your musical journey. For more details and to access the application forms, visit the official scholarship website below:

Oratorical Contest Applications Are Due for Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club

[posted March 14, 2025]

Attention all young speakers and aspiring leaders! The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club is excited to announce that applications for this year’s Oratorical Contest are now open. The deadline for submission is Saturday, March 15, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity for youth to showcase their speaking talents while reflecting on the powerful impact of optimism in their lives.

This Year’s Topic: How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times

The theme for this year’s contest is “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times.” Participants will have the chance to share their personal stories, experiences, and reflections on how optimism has helped them navigate challenges, overcome adversity, and stay positive in difficult situations.

How to Apply

To enter the Oratorical Contest, applicants can find the application form on the Youth Programs page of the Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club’s website. Don’t miss out—be sure to submit your application by Saturday, March 15, 2025, to be considered for this incredible opportunity.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out! President Shay and club member Xandria are available via email at slvoptimist@gmail.com. They are happy to provide guidance and support to ensure your submission is complete.

Why Participate?

Participating in the Oratorical Contest is a great way for young people to develop their public speaking skills, build confidence, and express their thoughts on important subjects. The Optimist Club fosters positive growth and encourages young individuals to embrace optimism as a tool for success. This contest is a unique chance to make your voice heard while gaining valuable experience.

Mark your calendar and submit your application by March 15, 2025. We look forward to hearing how optimism has shaped your journey!

Annual Essay Contest is Open!

[posted October 17, 2024]

The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club is hosting its annual Essay Contest Scholarship Program. The topic is “How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success”. Please view our Youth Programs page for more information and the application. Applications are due January 31, 2025.

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Club Gatherings

Meeting every 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., 4th Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., & 3rd Tuesday once a Quarter at 6:30 p.m.

2nd Tuesday - Mars Corporate Center Blvd., 25200 Telegraph Rd., Suite 120, Southfield, MI 48033

4th Tuesday - Virtually via Zoom

3rd Tuesday - Once a quarter at a in person location

© 2025 Optimist International Club of Southfield and Lathrup Village, Inc.

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