Pictured right sister, Dorcas Njogu and brother Donald Njogu have some fun with their friend Aleece Pickett. Dorcas is 10-years-old and in Ms. Kirk’s fifth grade class. Donald started Kindergarten last week in Elizabeth Hill’s class. Donald loves reading and his favorite book is The Big Cat. Aleece is in Mr. Eugene Sturdivant’s fourth grade class. She and Dorcas share a love for math.

Continuing to unite the community, the Optimist Club of Leeds held its first Back-to-School Extravaganza.

Aligning the track at Homer Smiles Field, bounce houses, Leeds Elementary School’s PTO members and political candidates set up booths to promote the event’s theme—“One Community, One Family, One Heart…We are Leeds!”

School clubs such as Leeds High School (LHS) Diamond Dolls set up a treasure dig, while the LHS cheerleaders set up a manicure station.

LHS National Honor Society hosted a dessert walk and Leeds Youth Soccer had a sign up booth.

Optimist Club of Leeds’ President Kathi Carr was happy about the community’s support of the event.

“What a fantastic afternoon of fun for the children of Leeds,” said Carr.

“Optimist clubs are dedicated to bringing out the best in kids and have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their area in any way they see fit,” states the organization’s website, www.optimist.org. “Optimist Clubs see a need in their community and react to it.”

Optimist Club board member and Leeds Elementary School second grade teacher Michelle Darabaris shared her excitement about their first event.

“So many smiles on so many faces,” said Darabaris. “It’s great to see things happen for the young people of Leeds.”

Looking forward to expanding the club’s Back-to-School Extravaganza as well as its membership, the Optimist Club of Leeds is excited for its future.

“We have a great foundation to build upon for next year,” said Carr. “Thank you to all who supported the first annual back to school event.”

To join the Optimist Club of Leeds or for more information email Carr at kathicarr@franklininsurancegroup.com.