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Summer 2014 • 13

Fifteen years ago, a Junior Optimist Octagon International (JOOI) was on the rise. It began wh Adam Helwig joined the Lyman High School Octagon Club in Florida. His enthusiasm for community service was evident as he quickly became a fxture at Club events and activities.

Adam was elected Vice President and chaired several committees the next year. He was named the “JOOI Optimist of the Year,” whic he still considers to be one of his b achievements. Adam then became

President and was instrumental in them receiving the City of Altamonte Springs Community Service Award. His leadership ability was evident from a young age.

In 2002-2003, Adam was elected as a Lieutenant Governor for the JOOI Clubs in the North Florida District and JOOI Governor the following year. It was then time for Adam to graduate high school. He left the program in good hands as he set an example that is still followed today in that Octagon Club.

Upon graduation, Adam immediately joined an adult Club, but work obligations kept him from participating as much as he had as a JOOI Member. However, in 2008 with his career as a Publix store manager on track, Adam rejoined the Club with renewed vigor to become more involved in giving back to the community.

In 2010-2011, Adam served as Vice President of the South Seminole Optimist Club. In this role, he attended District conferences and the International Convention. Publix nominated Adam for the prestigious Mr. George Community Service Award. Adam won the award based on his tireless efforts with both the JOOI Club and the adult Club. The award included a $5,000 gift that he could contribute to any charitable organization. Without hesitation, Adam presented the gift to the South Seminole Optimist Club.

Adam served as Club President from 2011-2013 and was responsible for helping our Club achieve a level of recognition in the community that we had not experienced before. He now serves as the Secretary/Treasurer and continues to grow as an individual.

Adam Helwig has expressed on many occasions his appreciation for the opportunities he has been afforded through the JOOI program and the adult Club. Our community is better for having this young man in it. He is a past JOOI star and proof that youth Club programs foster valuable Optimists to become part of our adult Clubs.

Exceptional Adult Optimist

By Mike Spalding, JOOI Advisor and Member of South Seminole Optimist Club

Outstanding JOOI Member Becomes

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