Projects

The Optimist Club sponsors many programs for youth in the community. Following are descriptions of some of them:

• Youth Oratorical Contest
  As Optimist International's oldest program, this contest allows young adults from 10 - 16 gain experience in public speaking on a pre-assigned topic. Scholarships are awarded annually.
  Date: TBD
  Contact: Matt McNalley
• Read by Grade Three
  Optimist Club members spend time in the local elementary schools through the school year reading to kids.
  Date: During the school year
  Contact: Susan Person
• Calvary Children's Home
  Date: December TBD
  Contact: Ann Harris
• Tri-Star Sports
  These contests in basketball and baseball are the perfect opportunity for children to have fun while building self confidence and physical fitness.
  Baseball:
  • Date: February
  • Contact: Steve Clair
    
  Basketball:
  • Date: November
    
  • Contact: Leonard McKenzie
• Junior Golf
  One of the largest events for Junior golfers. Each year young people from the United States and Canada compete. Past Optimist junior golf participants include: Tiger Woods, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson and Justin Leonard.
  Date: May
  Contact: Ron Huck
• Smyrna Optimist Baseball
  The Smyrna Optimist Club has sponsored a Little League team for over 30 years. The Smyrna Little League is open to ages 5-18. Date: Summer
  Contact: Bruce Hollmuller
• Respect for Law
  During the first full week in May, we inspire respect for law among the youth in the community by honoring our local law enforcement officers at a Friday breakfast.
  Date: TBD
• Adopt-a-Mile
  Helping the community roads stay beautiful, the Smyrna Optimist Club maintains a stretch of road on South Cobb Drive.
  Date: Quarterly
  Contact: Ann Harris
• Adopt-a-Trail
  The Silver Comet trail is a walking and biking trail that everyone should take advantage of because of its beauty and convenience. It traverses creeks, passes historical sites, and is convenient to Smyrna. There is a trail head at Mavel Road in Smyrna, and the plans are to continue the trail to the Alabama border. The Optimist Club has adopted a section of the trail at mile marker 1.9, and plants bushes, trees, and flowers for the pleasure of the community.
  Contact: C. Hoskins, W. Waldrip, M, Sewell, A. Potter, S. Williams