Optimist Club of Ajax Blog

Scientists in School

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:37:24 GMT

Scientists in School (SiS) is a dynamic charitable organization dedicated to helping young Canadians reach their full potential. Founded in 1989, SiS enables Kindergarten to Grade 8 students to become 'scientists in their school', catalyzing long-lasting interest in science, technology, math, environmental stewardship and engineering.

The Optimist Club of Ajax was the first organization to support SiS and have supported them every year. SiS has inspired nearly 14,000 student scientists, 500 teachers, and nearly 1,300 parent volunteers for 2010/11 in Ajax alone!

You can learn more about SiS at http://www.scientistsinschool.ca

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Ajax Optimist Club Scholarship

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:26:28 GMT

Thank you for the kind words Claire.

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Ajax Rising Stars Special Olympics Skating Club

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:22:44 GMT

We are proud to support the Ajax Rising Stars who offer a learn-to-skate program, speed skating and competitive figure skating for individuals with special needs.

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13th Annual Juried Art Exhibition

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:35:56 GMT

We are proud supporters of the PineRidge Arts Council’s 13th Annual Juried Art Exhibition. Mairen Benson is the winner of the Optimist of Ajax Best in Youth Award.

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Halloween Haunt a Huge Success

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:33:44 GMT

The Optimist Club of Whitby organized the Halloween Haunt at the Kids Safety Village in Whitby. There was a haunted house, a drive-in movie, a cemetery, a witches brew and a monster jail. The Optimist Club of Ajax, Durham Regional Police and a corps of high school volunteers helped to make the event a success.

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Breaking News: The Kids' Safety Village in Whitby is haunted

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:30:53 GMT

This just in from The Durham Times:

ADVISORY – Halloween Haunt at DRPS Kids Safety Village
The Kids' Safety Village in Whitby is haunted – just in time for Halloween!Children are invited to wear their costumes and join in the fun on Saturday October 29th, as the Kids’ Safety Village at 1129 Athol Street opens its doors for some Halloween fun.

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Kids Safety Village Easter Eggstravaganza

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:30:05 GMT

Here are some pictures from the Easter Eggstravaganza

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Letter from one of the Ajax Civic Award recipients

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:09:06 GMT

Hello Mr. Pettitt,

My name is Natalie Stilo from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the recent award ceremony and evening, but I was very happy to be informed that I was the lucky recipient of the bursary and related awards.

I would like to thank you for the generous gift and bursary. I appreciate the fact that the Optimist Club of Ajax provides these rewards for students who are active in the community. I will be able to put this gift to good use as I am attending Queen's University in the fall.

Thanks again for your generosity and support.

Best regards,
Natalie Stilo

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Civic Awards Night

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:11:42 GMT

For many years the Optimist Club of Ajax has been proud to sponsor the young men and woman in our high schools, who have not only an exemplary academic record, but have also been willing to help others through volunteering and service within our community. Here are this year’s recipients:

Daina Als, Ajax High School
Ajax High School has selected Daina Als as it's Optimist Award recipient. She was involved in our Toy and Food Drive during the holiday season. Not only did she co-ordinate all the other student representatives from each classroom and helped to deliver the goods to the Salvation Army, but she organized a first ever evening Carnival event. Students from the local elementary schools were invited to attend an evening carnival in our cafeteria which featured games (eg. bean bag toss), floor hockey, videos, face painting, and even Santa! It was her enthusiasm and dedication to help make this year's event one of the more successful in recent years despite the local economic situation

Nisar Shaik, J. Clarke Richardson
J. Clarke Richardson has selected Nisar Shaik as it's Optimist Award recipient. Nisar is a consistent honour roll student who has over 200 hours of community service. His volunteer committments include the Rouge Valley Hospital, the Winbourne Senior Home and the Pickering Islamic Center. He has been a member of our badminton club and was chosen to represent at the area regionals. He has reported on our senior basketball team for the school newspaper for two years. Nisar intends to study biology and medical sciences to pursue a career as a physician.

Lanise Lywood, Pickering High School
Lanise is an honour roll student immersed in the Pickering High School "Trojan Spirit". Among her various athletic pursuits Lanise is an integral part of the school community. She is an active leader, role model and mentor. She is a leader within the PHS Student Activity Council, Leadership Camp, and rose to Student Council President in her final year of high school. Lanise brings energy, enthusiasm and a positive motivating attitude to all her endeavours. Lanise is a dynamic young woman and an inspiration to her peers, school and community.

Natalie Stilo, Notre Dame Catholic High School
Natalie Stilo is a vibrant contributor to Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School and the greater Ajax community. Natalie has amassed more than 120 community service hours. She is president of the school Student Athletic Association and is a member of the school Dance Club. Natalie also dances with Durham Dance. She is an honour roll student and she tutors a special needs child on a weekly basis. Natalie has been a math tutor at Notre Dame and she has volunteered at St. Patrick Catholic School and at St. Francis de Sales Parish. She has been an active member of the school Social Justice Club assisting in the planning of many fundraising activities. In recognition of her excellence, Natalie received a bursary to attend a 5 week French immersion Cegep program in Quebec last summer. In her grade 11 year, Natalie engaged in a co-operative education program at Mother Teresa Catholic School. Natalie's goal is to attend university and become a teacher. Notre Dame is proud to recommend Natalie Stilo for this prestigious award.

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Kids from Ajax youth program take a hike in the woods

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 21:02:47 GMT

Led by Optimist Mike Newman the kids from the Ajax youth program strap on some snowshoes and take a scenic hike through the woods at Greenwood Conservation.

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