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.
OPTIMIST ORATORICAL CONTEST
Topic for the 2025-2026 school year is:
How to Enter: Interested students submit a speech on the pre-assigned topic to their local Optimist Club. Contact Dave Slade at daveslade71@gmail.com to get more information on rules, contest dates and more. The contest is usually held in February. The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program.
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. The Club is willing to help more of the PHS sports teams. Contact Jennifer Halko. jenniferahalko at gmail.com
OCTOBER 2025
RINGING THE BELLS FOR SALVATION ARMY
For a number of years club members have volunteered to “ring the bells” for the Salvation Army on Saturdays in December at the local Kroger’s. It certainly puts us in the holiday spirit!
JUNIOR GOLF SPONSORSHIP
2025 The Optimist Club of Jasper sponsored Dax Cronix, son of Duane Cronic, in the District Junior Golf Tournament in Cartersville where he won his age category. This allowed him to move onto the Optimist International Golf Tournament held in south Florida in July. We are proud to have such a fine young man represent us in this tournament.
