LEGION OF CHARACTER RECOGNITION
The Optimist Club International has as one of its core purposes to aid and encourage the development of good character in our youth. In keeping with this part of its mission the Optimist Club of Jasper founded the Legion of Character in 2018 to recognize Pickens County Junior High School students in the 7th and 8th grades who exhibit good citizenship and character traits.
Nominations are made by the teachers for 20 students in each grade that best displayed the following:
*Being courteous and truthful
*Being recognized by peers for a positive outlook and general optimism
- Being helpful to other students and to faculty
*Contributing to good discipline and study habits in their classes
*Encouraging others and congratulating them on their successes
*Working steadily to improve themselves and others
*Having generally done their best while at PCHS
*Being trustworthy by practicing honesty, keeping promises and following through on commitments
*Doing what is right even when it is difficult
*Showing respect by treating others the way that they want to be treated
*Being on the active role of the school as a full time student
*Accepting responsibility for their own actions.
Students are recognized and inducted into the Legion of Character at the end of the school year.
Optimist International Essay Contest
How to Enter: Interested students must contact our local Optimist Club. Email Sue Appleton at suekappleton946@gmail.com to get more information on essay contest rules and more. Deadline will be January 15, 2026.
The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In additional to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!
STAR STUDENT BANQUET AND SCHOLARSHIP
For over 30 years the Optimist Club of Jasper has had the opportunity to sponsor the largest and most unique local Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Banquet in this statewide program.
Each year the club recognizes a total of 10 students from Pickens High School who are seniors that have achieved the highest point scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and are in the top ten percent of the senior class. The student with the highest score isthat year’s STAR Student. The STAR Teacher is chosen by each student as the teacher who has contributed the most to their achievement and success.
The banquet is held usually February/March timeframe. Families, teachers and dignitaries are invited to honor these students and teachers for their service, dedication and achievements.
MILITARY RECOGNITION
The Optimist Club of Jasper is proud to recognize graduating PHS seniors who have chosen to enter one of the branches of the military to serve our nation. Our club provides them a Certificate of Appreciation and a monetary gift on the evening the high school recognizes them.
VOLUNTEERING AT PHS BASKETBALL CONCESSION STAND
PICKENS COUNTY LIBRARY FESTIVAL OF TREES
FEED THE DRAGONS
Each year the Optimist Club of Jasper FEEDS THE DRAGONS football team in the fall as well as provides snacks/food to the girl’s volleyball team
and the PHS Theatre group and cross country team as requested. The Club is willing to help more of the PHS sports teams. Contact Jennifer Halko. jenniferahalko at gmail.com
OCTOBER 2025
