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Optimist Club Honors Four Local Students

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By JACK HOLLAND, Special to the Tribune

Published: January 5, 2008

PLANT CITY - The Plant City Optimist Club recently honored four local high school students for their accomplishments at the club's Youth Appreciation Ceremony.

The students from Plant City High School were selected based on their efforts in athletics, academics and community service work, and each received an award.

"Every year we recognize the positive activities and outstanding efforts shown by several students, and each year it seems they are more and more involved with their community through volunteerism," club President Jack Holland said.

"They have a tremendous impact on the quality of life of the Plant City area and we are proud to honor their achievements, which mirror the work of many of our area youths."

Plant City Mayor Rick Lott spoke to the students and the audience on the importance of youth leadership and community involvement in their development as leaders of tomorrow.

Plant City High guidance specialist Sherrie Mueller introduced the students and gave a brief biography of each student:

The award-winners were:

•Stephanie Barker has a 4.79 weighted grade-point average and is captain of the varsity swim team. She was Miss August in the school's 2007 Calendar Girl contest and has been named a Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Ambassador. A member of the National Honor Society, she is also the director of public relations for the Civinettes. She participates in the Best Buddies program and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is involved in church activities at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in the youth group and acolyte. She is a volunteer swim coach with the Greater Tampa Swim Association.

•Jarrod Burnette maintains a 4.74 weighted GPA, is a National Honor Society member and is active in the FFA program. He has held several positions in FFA at Plant City High and has worked as treasurer of the Hillsborough County FFA. He has shown sheep, swine and steers at the Florida Strawberry Festival and attended two national FFA conventions, placing 18th in the nation in the food science and technology competition. A Little League baseball player for eight years, he also assisted with the landscaping at the Plant City police headquarters, volunteered at the Jeremiah Thornton Memorial Baseball Tournament and played junior varsity football.

•Skoti McElveen carries a 5.14 weighted GPA and is not only a member of the Plant City High varsity golf team but is also the senior class historian and is student council public relations chairwoman. She is recording secretary for the school's National Honor Society chapter, treasurer for the Students Against Destructive Decisions and participates in the Best Buddies program and Key Club. Her community service activities include volunteering at the United Food Bank & Services, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Plant City Convalescent Center, American Cancer Society Relay For Life, International Coastal Cleanup, National Honor Society school beautification project and was a charter board member and current president of the Plant City Juniorettes Club.

•Kevin Taylor is in the National Honor Society and ranks 13th out of the 463 students in his senior class with a 5.3 weighted GPA. He is taking seven advanced placement courses. He has volunteered more than 200 hours at South Florida Baptist Hospital during the past three years and is active in his church, serving as sound technician the past two years in recording devices and production instruments. He visits shut-ins, worked in vacation Bible school and at the fall festival booth. He also volunteered to do mission work with the poor in Destin.

For information about the Plant City Optimist Club, go to www.plantcityoptimistclub .org or contact Jack Holland at president@plantcityoptimist club.org or (813) 752-2057.

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