Awards

OI Club Recognition

Bringing Out the Best Club
Incentive: Banner patch then year bar thereafter.
Eligibility:
- Complete at least two service projects a year,
- Submit President’s Pride Report,
- Add at least one new Member,
- Be current on District and Optimist International dues, and
- Recognize a Club Member or local community individual.

Honor Club
Incentive: Banner patch, year bar with Club President’s name; thereafter a year bar with Club President’s name.
Eligibility:
- Complete at least three service projects a year,
- Submit President’s Pride Report,
- Grow Club by net plus 1,
- Be current on District and Optimist International dues, and
- Recognize a Club Member or local community individual.

Distinguished Club
Incentive: Watch for Club President and Secretary and/or Treasurer and a banner patch with the Club President’s name; thereafter a year bar with Club President’s name and watch.
Eligibility:
- Complete at least three service projects a year,
- Submit President’s Pride Report,
- Be current on District and Optimist International dues,
- Recognize a Club Member or local community individual, and
- Net of 15 Members OR charter a new Club.

Henry Stiner SWIS District Special Service Award

(SWIS Optimist of the Year)

The SWIS District shall annually recognize an individual who embodies the spirit of Optimism as represented by the late Henry Stiner. Henry was a member of the Optimist Club of Monroe, serving as President and Secretary-Treasurer. Henry also served as a LT. Governor.

Henry was an educator, a school superintendent, a principal, a coach, sports official, a friend a good listener, a dedicated Optimist, and a loving and caring husband and father. He was a soft-spoken Norwegian, a good and kind person, who would never hurt anyone or anything. He epitomized optimism, and what we, as Optimists, stand for. Henry worked with and for kids. He gave of himself and his time unselfishly to his club, his community, his Zone and the District. He was a regular attendee at District meetings as well as the Optimistic International Conventions.

In memory and recognition of Henry Stiner, the Governor shall name a recipient of the award for each Optimist Year. The purpose of the Henry Stiner Service Award is to recognize an optimist who follows in the footsteps of Henry Stiner in terms of:
     - Service to kids, club, community and District
     - Someone who has a bright outlook on life
     - Someone who cares and someone who shares
     - Someone who gives of their time and talent freely for the benefit of others
     - Someone who willingly works for and with the kids through their club and the District

The recipient shall be a member in good standing of an Optimist Club, have contributed to their club, their community, their youth and activities, and to the district. Current District Officers and Committee chairs will not be eligible for the award the year in which they are serving in a District
capacity. No one may receive the award more than once.

The Immediate Past Governor shall present the award, which shall be a banner patch on the District Service Banner, at the First or Second District conference of the next Optimist Year. The recipient shall be the sole choice of the Immediate Past Governor, in consultation with the Governor and the Past Governor.

The award was first presented by Charter Governor, Jim Kondrasuk, for the Charter Year of the SWIS District [1993-1994]. The award was approved by the District Executive Committee and the Board in the 1993-94 Optimist Year as ongoing award, and added to the district policies.

SWIS Special Club Governor Awards

The SWIS District shall annually recognize a club which embodies the spirit of Optimism as represented by the late Henry Stiner.  The club selected by an Immediate Governor has exhibited community involvement, supported their membership, is involved with the district, and exhibits Optimism in relationships with other optimists. The club has submitted all necessary documentation and has met all club requirements designated by Optimist International for Honor Club in the year.

President's Citation

The President’ Citation is given to an Outstanding Optimist Club Member.  That member embodies the spirit and essence of Optimism, who has been the club’s inspiration and has contributed to the advancement of Optimism in the club and community.  This application can be filled out by the Club President and received at the International Office no later than the end of August for a year. It will be shipped to the president for presentation to the club member.
Click here to complete an application for an outstanding member.