Optimist club banquet honors outstanding youth

Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

He said so himself Monday night at the Optimist Club of Calvert County's Youth Appreciation Week Banquet Honoring Calvert County's 2009 Outstanding Youth.

Dorsey, the club's Youth Appreciation Week chair, did promise the event's 30 honorees he wouldn't embarrass them too much at the celebration, held at Patuxent Hall in Kings Landing Park in Huntingtown.

"We're here to have fun and recognize the kids," he said at the event, which recognized youth from Calvert, Huntingtown and Northern high schools, but not Patuxent High School as it is not in the club's territory.

Huntingtown High School counselor Karyn Kowalski said that her school chose its honorees starting with seniors who had an 80 percent or above grade point average.

It then looked for students who stood out in terms of community service, extracurricular activities and overall character, she said.

"It was tough to choose, but I'm very happy with the group that we have … they're fantastic," Kowalski said.

"I heard that," chimed Huntingtown High School senior and honoree Brian Merewitz.

"Almost all of them are fantastic," Kowalski jokingly amended her initial stance.

Calvert High School senior Emily Berens, who was honored for her work with Best Buddies, Student Government Association, class council, the swim team and a mentorship program, said that with a growing number of in-school extracurricular activities, it has become more difficult to label young people as being a certain "type."

"There is a big variety, but we still have those groups that are part of the bands or the choruses or the drama industry, but a lot of people are in all of them," said Berens, 17, who continued that this honor "helps me recognize how much youth can do for everyone."

Courtney Gray, an honoree and senior at Northern High School, said that she was surprised but thrilled to learn of the award.

Gray, 17, said that of the aspects reviewed — academics, extra curricular activities and character — she thought the last of the three was the most paramount.

"It's [about] youth leadership and you want to lead with the qualities you already have," she said.

Huntingtown High School senior Allie Bolen, 17, said that while she saw many familiar faces in the crowd, there were also many unsung heroes among Calvert County youth.

"I appreciate getting recognized; I know a lot of people who aren't here who should be recognized," said Bolen, adding that the people she did recognize at the banquet "all work really hard."

Optimist Club of Calvert County President Tom Parran thanked Dorsey, the schools and the parents present but said that the majority of the evening's accolades should go to the kids.

"That's why they're all here; because they're on the right path," said Parran.

lbuck@somdnews.com Optimist Club of Calvert 2009 Outstanding Youth

Kean Adair

Katherine Athens

Jaclyn Baker

Emily Berens

Allie Bolen

John Booth

Mallory Clites

Anne Collins

Catherine Dryhurst

Kristen Grauer

Courtney Gray

Kyle Hutzler

Rebekah Kruder

Erin Lange

Quentin Leadbeter

Sharnice Long

Brian Merewitz

Christa Morton

Connor Muilenburg

Kesiha Pankey

Tyra Robinson

Michelle Schreiber

Jessica Snell

David Stanley

Laura Stinnett

Eric Stubblefield

Rebecca Wells

Lauren White

Megan Wilson

Kimberly Zwissler