The energy and enthusiasm was palpable at Une Amore Café as the young Optimists of the three Junior Optimist Octagon International (JOOI) clubs gathered for their joint induction and installation ceremony on Saturday 10 November 2007. The induction of new members and installation of the boards of the three clubs was immediately followed by a pizza party and lots of fun and bonding.

Group shot after worshiping with members of the Christian Fellowship Church in South Hill

Among the three clubs more than 20 young people were inducted into the Optimist movement with at least another 10 new members on roster who were unable to attend the induction ceremony due to clashing engagements including their involvement in the primary school football tournament and the weekend’s Tranquility Jazz Festival.

The club’s boards are made up of President Janelle Bryan, Vice President Jonesha Richardson, Secretary Keri Richardson and Treasurer Gineece Gumbs of the ‘Super Stars Junior Optimist Club’; President Jose Vanterpool, Vice President Sierra Richardson, Secretary Calniya Hughes and Treasurer Cordane Richardson of the ‘Kids for the Future Junior Optimist Club’ and President Meesha Richardson, Vice President Candra Simon, Secretary Verlyndah Rogers and Treasurer Kevina Gumbs of the ‘Progressive Youth Octagon Club’.

LTG Krystie inducts the presidents of the three JOOI Clubs

Lieutenant Governor Krystie Webster, a member of the Progressive Youth Octagon Club and serving in the capacity of Lt. Govenor for the second consecutive term, is quite excited about the growth of JOOI in Anguilla and commented gleefully after she had installed the boards of her three clubs: “I think this is going to be a good year!”
The JOOI activities did not end with Saturday event and more than thirty (30) of the young Optimists and their Optimist Advisors and mentors were present to worship with the congregation of Christian Fellowship Church on Sunday 12 November 2007 – a day that just happened to be designated Youth Sunday.

Junior Optimism is divided into three categories: Alpha Clubs comprised of members aged between 6 and 9, Junior Optimists aged10 and 13 and Octagon Clubs made up of members between 14 and 18. The Super Stars Junior Optimist Club is located at Road School, Kids for the Future Junior Optimist Club at Campus B of ALHCS and the Progressive Youth Octagon Club is at Campus A. There is also the Best End Junior Optimist Club at the Morris Vanterpool Primary School which is currently recruiting members and will have their installation and inductions ceremonies at a later date.
- Press Release

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