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Check on the full and latest news articles on the Southfield Lathrup-Village Optimist Club
Noah Prince Earns District-Level Recognition for Powerful Essay
[posted April 15, 2025]
University of Detroit Jesuit High School & Academy sophomore Noah Prince is turning heads with his writing talent, recently earning third place at the District level of the Optimist International Essay Contest. His essay stood out among submissions from students across the region, a testament to Noah’s thoughtful perspective, eloquent writing, and strong sense of purpose.
This prestigious recognition is just the latest achievement for the multifaceted 10th grader, who continues to balance academic excellence, community involvement, and a deep commitment to extracurriculars. A proud honor roll student with a 3.8 GPA, Noah is not only a skilled writer but also a driven student-athlete. At school, he’s involved in the Track Team, Swim Team, Choir, and Theater Program, where he thrives in both artistic and athletic arenas. Outside the classroom, he competes as a swimmer with Razor Aquatics, an all-Black competitive swim team dedicated to increasing diversity in the sport.
Noah’s impact goes beyond his school and sports teams. He is an active member of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., Oakland County Chapter, and serves as a youth leader at Hope United Methodist Church. In recognition of his dedication to service, he was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 2024 Youth Community Service Award. In addition to his Optimist Club success, Noah also won first place in the 2024 Teen Mental Wellness Community Forum Essay Contest, earning him a scholarship offer from Lawrence Technological University (LTU).
Noah Prince’s District-level essay win is a proud moment—not only for him, but also for his school, his community, and the many young people he inspires through his words and actions. Whether he’s crafting essays, competing in the pool, performing on stage, or volunteering in his community, Noah proves that excellence comes in many forms—and he’s just getting started.
Southfield-Lathrup
Village Optimist Club
Hosts WOW Event to
Welcome New Faces
[posted April 9, 2025]
On Tuesday, April 8, the Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club hosted a lively WOW (Welcome Optimists Worldwide) Event at Panera Bread in Lathrup Village. The evening served as a social mixer aimed at introducing prospective members to the club’s mission and activities—and it was a resounding success!
Five new faces joined the gathering, where members and guests mingled over light refreshments, enjoyed fun ice breakers, and shared stories about the club’s impactful community programs throughout the year.
A highlight of the evening was the “secret silent auction,” a playful surprise where member Tony took home a unique prize—fresh chicken eggs from Club President Shay’s home farm! All proceeds from the auction were donated to the Optimist International Foundation, helping to support youth-focused programs around the globe.
The event captured the spirit of optimism, connection, and community service that the club is known for—and left everyone excited for what’s ahead.
Spreading Warmth
and Kindness:
Optimist Club
Partners with Donate
Life Michigan
[posted April 4, 2025]
Last week, the Optimist Club of Southfield-Lathrup Village joined forces with Donate Life Michigan for a meaningful service project—creating comfort blankets for those in need. With the help of our dedicated Junior Optimists, we crafted seven cozy no-sew blankets, contributing to a larger effort that resulted in over 100 blankets made by all volunteers.
These blankets will provide warmth and support to individuals facing difficult times, reinforcing the power of community, compassion, and giving back. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and for everyone who participated in this heartwarming initiative.
Together, we continue to bring optimism, hope, and kindness to those who need it most! 💙✨
Join Us for an Exciting
WOW Gathering!
[posted April 2, 2025]
We are beyond excited to invite you to our upcoming WOW (Welcome Optimists Worldwide) Gathering! This is more than just a gathering—it’s an opportunity to come together, share positivity, and build meaningful connections with fellow optimists. Whether you're a long-time member or new to the group, this event is for YOU!
Event Details
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM EST
📍 Location: Panera Bread, 27777 Southfield Road, Lathrup Village, MI 48076
What to Expect
Our 2nd Tuesday Agenda is designed to be both engaging and inspiring! Here’s a sneak peek:
✅ Call to Order – Join us as we kick off the evening with the Pledge of Allegiance.
✅ Welcome & Introduction – Break the ice over a delicious meal and get to know fellow optimists.
✅ Get to Know an Optimist – Discover club events, community service ideas, and celebrate successes with ‘Fines & Brags.’ Plus, don’t miss the fun of our Mystery Auction!
✅ Closing – End the night on a high note with our one-word theme for the week and the uplifting Optimist Creed.
This gathering is all about connecting, inspiring, and growing together. And guess what? The more, the merrier! 🎉 Bring a friend along and introduce them to the incredible energy and spirit of our Optimist Club.
Let’s break bread, share smiles, and make a positive impact—one gathering at a time! We can’t wait to see you there!
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 & Stigmas – Dr. 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
Gather every 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Mars Corporate Center Blvd., 25200 Telegraph Rd., Suite 120, Southfield, MI 48033
© 2025 Optimist Club of Southfield and Lathrup Village, Inc.
