
The Great Bend Optimist Club recently recognized 17 graduating seniors from Great Bend High School with their Youth Appreciation Award.
Project Chairman Jim Mayberry said, “The program recognizes graduating Seniors who are active in their school, church and community, as well as being good students in the classroom.”
The recipients were served dinner and presented with a framed certificate and a gift card from the club. All students shared their plans after high school and recognized their parents.

Mayberry said, “This project was a staple of the local Optimist Club for many years, but has been on the shelf for twenty or so years. I was really excited about bringing this recognition back to life, and honoring some of the real quality students in the local school and future leaders in our community.”
The Great Bend Optimist Club has been meeting supporting the young people in the community for 75 years. The motto of Optimist International is “Friend of Youth.”
Honorees included:
Kylee Mohr
Jorge Pena
Taylor Lashley
Sadie Spray
Paige Thexton
Morgan Beckwith
Brooklyn Ramsey
Bradon Suppes
Parker Dicks
Addy Nicholson
Makenzie Premer
Kaden Deines
Emilee Hall
Rylee Prilling
Ashlynn Howard
Macy Nachtigal
Samantha Mayers