Since 1957 Optimist Clubs have recognized youth for their talents in the academics,arts,athletics, and contributions to community.The Westminster Optimist Youth Appreciation Day is held annually in November to honor the outstanding youth in our area. The students, along with their families and school personnel, were invited to a breakfast meeting Tuesday morning, November 14, 2006 at Ciancio's Restaurant at Hyland Hills in Westminster.

Representative students were chosen from Pinnacle Charter School, Hidden Lake, Ranum, and Westminster High Schools by staff members at these schools. The students received key chains with their names engraved, a U.S. Savings Bond, and their names were placed on a perpetual plaque for display in their schools in recognition of this honor.

Those honored (see picture left to right) were:

Jared Valdez (Pinnacle Charter School)

Mimi Van Chau (Ranum High School)

James Smith, son of John Thomas and Kathleen Mellon, is a senior at Hidden Lake High School. He is described by many as a student who is always thinking, does well in class, and is modest about his achievements. He does not hesitate to step up to a challenge and will reach out to help when needed. James has taken advantage of career and technical classes as well as academic, to increase his knowledge base for technical work both in college and in the world of work. He participates in ROTC, even taking classes after regular hours. James believes hard work should come first and that he will see the benefits from his perseverance. After graduation James hopes to attend college in the field of Aeronautical Engineering.

Jared Valdez, son of Frances Valdez-Samaniejo and Rene Samaniejo, was selected to represent The Pinnacle by the high school faculty for this honor because of his positive attitude. Jared carries a big smile on his face and always has something positive to say. He enjoys laughing and joking with his friends. Jared set a goal for himself, which was to make honor roll. He then studied, kept up with his homework, and came in before and after school for more help when needed. Less than a year after setting this goal, Jared made honor roll and has kept making Honor Roll for the past year.

Besides a positive attitude Jared has an amazing gift for drawing. In his free time, Jared often draws pictures for his own enjoyment and others as well. He is looking into different graphic design programs at various colleges in order to find the program that is right for him.

Mimi Van Chau, daughter of My Chau & Ninh Chau, is currently the Valedictorian at Ranum with a GPA of 4.19. Mimi is in the International Baccalaureate program, and takes a macro-economics class at CU Denver. Mimi has been a member of the Mesa program for six years and is the President of the program at Ranum. She is not only an outstanding student but is a contributing member to her community by volunteering as a tutor with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program and with the Growing Home Tutor program that tutors/mentors low income and homeless students in the school district. She has volunteered with the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and the Make a Wish Foundation. She recently participated with several other Ranum students in helping senior citizens clean up their yards and homes. Mimi has helped raise money for the orphans of Rwanda and is currently fundraising to send soccer balls and jerseys to the orphans also.

Mimi speaks Chinese and has learned Cantonese from her mother. She is currently taking Spanish at school. After high school, Mimi wants to pursue a career in the bio-medical field. With her language skills, academic skills and love for her community she has applied to Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester, John Hopkins and the Colorado School O Mines.

Hien Nguyen, daughter of Mai Chau and Bao Nguyen, moved to Colorado from Vietnam a year and a half ago. She did not speak English and she was starting high school mid-year. In spite of those obstacles, Hien wanted to take the most challenging classes and graduate on time. She has succeeded with both goals. She understands the importance of balance in her life, and values her sense of humor and laughter. She balances the academic classes with involvement in student council, LINK, the ambassadors club and tennis. College is very important to her, so she made room in her busy schedule to join the AVID program.

In a mere year and a half, Hien has taken the initiative to become a valued member of the Westminster High School community. She joins clubs, attends school functions, and volunteers her translation skills.

Hien truly is an optimist. She approaches the world with curiosity, excitement and self-confidence. She believes in her power to create the opportunities that will manifest her hopes and dreams.

Submitted by Annabelle Heim
Photos byTom Rogers