Handing over the honor of leadership

Optimist Clubs are planning for the new administrative year that begins a little over a week from now on October 1.  While current leaders complete their promises to leave their clubs stronger than when they began,  installation dinners are taking place,  and new officers are being welcomed and encouraged to take their new positions with zeal.

In the Caribbean District, the clubs hold a handing over ceremony to signify the end of one Optimist year and the beginning of the next. The president's gavel is handed from one president to the next with great honor and duty.

Shown here is Immediate Past President Carmen Hackett handing over the gavel to the new President Shellecia Brooks.  During the ceremony, President Brooks told her Optimist Club, "Of great importance must be each Optimist member's unwavering commitment to the children of Anguilla."

Following the ceremony, club members and their guests enjoyed dinner in preparation for the busy year ahead that will include, among other things, the 9th Annual Race Against AIDS, more community outreach and special support for the Junior Optimist Octagon International Clubs, the youth membership of Optimist International.

Thank you to the Optimist Club of Anguilla for sharing the story of your handing over ceremony. Click to read more in The Anguillian.