LOXLEY, Alabama — The Loxley Optimist Club held its 2017-18 Youth Appreciation Celebration on Thursday, Tuesday, Feb. 22 at the Loxley Civic Center, handing out awards to the area’s six public elementary schools, along with Central Baldwin Middle School and Robertsdale High School. Awards were also given to elementary and middle school students from St. Patrick’s Catholic School, elementary, middle and high school students from Central Christian School.

Among those handing out awards were acting supervisory Special Agent Bret Kirby with the FBI field office in Mobile; and Staff Sgt. Andrew Mink and Staff Sgt. Kendall Ferguson, U.S. Marine Corps recruiters.

Kirby presented to St. Patrick Middle School student Walker Leavitt, while Mink and Ferguson presented the award to Hailey Peters of Rosinton Elementary School.

Guest speaker for the event was 17-year-old Gulf Shores High School student Lauren Bradford, Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen.

“You have already done something to stand out,” she said. “That is what brought you here this evening. I want to encourage you to continue to stand out, for that is what will allow you to continue to succeed.”

Other award recipients and presenters were: Gabe Gregory, Central Christian School, elementary, presented by Loxley Mayor Billy Middleton; Colby Fowler, Elsanor Elementary, presented by Baldwin County Assistant District Attorney Harry D’Olive; Miller Ragsdale, Loxley Elementary; presented by Baldwin County Commissioner Tucker Dorsey; Leia Nicely, Robertsdale Elementary; presented by the Rev. Jim Batchelor, Loxley United Methodist Church; Julianna Claire Stricklin, Silverhill Elementary, presented by Cody Hitchcock, branch manager, United Bank, Loxley; Kyle Rogers, Stapleton Elementary, presented by Loxley Municipal Court Judge Mike Dasinger III; Christina Leavitt, St. Patrick School, elementary; presented by Shawn T. Alves, attorney with Stone Crosby PC, who represents the Town of Loxley in legal matters; Martin Romero, Central Baldwin Middle School, presented by the Rev. Wayne Ellis of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church; Dylan Drye of Central Christian School, middle, presented by Loxley Fire Chief Tony Lovell; Nina Collis, Central Christian School, high, presented by Robertsdale Mayor Charles Murphy; and Emyle Mann, Robertsdale High School, presented by Baldwin County District Court Judge William E. Skully Jr.

Optimist International, whose motto is a “Friend of Youth” presents annual Youth Appreciation awards to recognize youth for a variety of reasons, including their achievements at school, dedication to community service, improvement in their grades and doing their best in sports or the arts.

The Loxley Optimist Club was formed in 1980 and participates in a variety of activities including Optimist International’s annual Oratorical Contest and Essay Contest. The club also hosts a Fishing Rodeo for youth every May.

Zach Carpenter is president for the club. Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack Jr. served as MC for the event. Opening prayer was presented by the Rev. Louis Johnson, First Baptist, Loxley; Colors were presented by the Loxley Girl Scout Troop 8393 with Pledge of Allegiance was led by Troop Leader Jamie Carder-Haas and National Anthem by Russ Murfin; club member John Chappell recognized honored guests and closing remarks were made by Joey Shaw, Misty Wilkinson and Bobby Barnhill. Benediction was presented by the Rev. Ben Reece, St. Paul’s United Methodist, Bay Minette.

The event was sponsored by Baldwin County Sewer Service, The Town of Loxley, United Bank, Garcia Drywall, Joseph Allan Shaw, PC; Franklin Primary Health Center, Covenant Elite Charters & Tours, Loxley Discount Drugs, McMurphy Orthodontics, Citizens Bank, Racine’s Feed, Garden & Supply; Stone, Crosby PC., and Loxley United Methodist Church.