The California South (CALSO) Optimist International District held its annual convention at the Holiday Inn Bayside in San Diego on Sept. 7. At the convention, local resident Sydney Mafong, an 11th grader at The Bishop’s School, was honored as the “Junior Optimist of the Year.” This award recognizes Sydney’s excellent contributions to her school, community and Junior Optimists all over the world, according to a news release.

Sydney is the charter president of the Junior Optimist Club at The Bishop’s School, sponsored by the North Coast Optimist Club, the multiple year district governor for the California South Junior Optimist District, and is a director serving on the International Board of Directors for Junior Optimist International, the world-wide youth volunteer organization. Sydney has worked incessantly to increase leadership and scholarship opportunities for youth volunteers, led projects benefiting the unhoused and underserved, and started a program to increase literacy and reading for students and children. Sydney is always looking for ways to help and she is a role model for students seeking opportunities to serve the community, the news release stated.

To learn more about the Junior Optimist program, the North Coast Optimist Club, or Optimist International, contact Jim Parrotte at [email protected]