Junior Optimist Club forms at Millsboro Middle School

Millsboro Middle School inducted 22 students into its new Junior Optimist International Club Nov. 21.

Sponsored by the Optimist Club of Sussex County, it is the first middle school Junior Optimist Club in Delaware. The all-inclusive youth organization created by Optimist International motivates youth to embrace positive values while engaging in community service.

“It’s basically giving back to the community,” said Shelley McBride, Millsboro Middle School teacher and club advisor. “The kids have a lot of ideas.”

Millsboro Middle School students inducted into the Junior Optimist International Club are Ayla Steele, president; McKenna Ketterman, vice president; Leah Layfield, secretary; Lilliana Lombardi, treasurer; Lesli Estaban-Chilel; Erin Gordon; Taryn Harris; Valeria Hernandez; Alvin Huang; Alondra Lopez; Brianna Martinez; Josie Miller; Elisa Pellegrino; Maria Perez; Alejandra Mejia-Cahuex; Lupita Quixtan; Yahliana Rivera; Giana Sullivan; Jessica Thens; Kylee Walls; Shyanne White; and Evelyn Yanez. 

McBride said club members are already planning a number of community service activities in the Millsboro area in the coming months. The first was to take place on Thanksgiving morning when students would serve meals to the needy at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. In December, students are planning to deliver bird feeders to the Millsboro Nursing Home while visiting with residents. Other possible activities include planting flowers around town, reading to students at East Millsboro Elementary School and cleaning up a local beach.