Youth Appreciation Day- A day for students (11th and 12th graders) in York County to learn about local government.  All public and private schools are invited to send two students to this event.

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Ringing the Bell- (benefits the Salvation Army)

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Bottle caps, Shiny paper, Soda tabs-  benefits the Ronald McDonald House

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Essay Contest- Youth from York County write an essay based on topic from Optimist International.  We offer a $500 scholarship for first place, $250 for second place, and $125 for third place.  The first place winner then competes in the Atlantic Central conference for additional scholarships. 

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Photography Contest- Youth from York County take a picture and mount it based on a line from the Optimist Creed.  We offer a $300 scholarship for first place, $150 for second place, and $75 for third place.  The first and second place winners then compete in the Atlantic Central conference for additional scholarships.

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Oratorical Contest- Youth from York County present a speech based on a topic from Optimist International.  We offer a $500 scholarship for first place, $250 for second place, and $125 for third place.  The first and second place winner then compete in the Atlantic Central conference for additional scholarships.  The winner of the Atlantic Central conference then competes at the Regional/International Optimist contest.  Total possible scholarships are $18,000.

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Pen Pals- Club members exchange letters with some fourth and fifth grade students from Laurel Life.  It is very beneficial for the students and very rewarding for the members.

We also honor them with small gifts for Christmas and Valentine’s Day cards and end of school year letters and gifts.        

 

CYHS and CYMS JOI Club- We want to support the high school and middle school club in their projects and fundraisers. 

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Optimist Olympics- An olympics type program for youth from LIUs in York, Adams, and Dauphin counties. The youth are deaf/hard of hearing and/or blind/sight impaired.

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Mister Car Wash Teacher Award- An opportunity to honor someone who supports the community and children

 

Baskets for Eli- An opportunity to provide children who are in the hospital during Easter with a basket of items.  Eli was a little boy who loved Easter and lost his life shortly before his fourth birthday. 

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HOBY Participant- We provide the funding for one student to attend a leadership conference started by Hugh O’Brien that teaches leadership skills and community service.

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Leadership York On Board- opportunity to seek board members and members for the club.

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