On Saturday July 11th the Orange Coast Optimist Club held their Youth Recognition and Installation Banquet at Tanaka Farms. This event was organized by Advisors: Theresa Ho, Jolene Kanda and Julia Wong to honor the Senior Scholarship and Award Winners, Youth Club Presidents and install the incoming Youth Club Officers.

The organizers used their ingenuity to hold the event in a drive-thru format to keep the attendees safe during this pandemic. At this event, the parking lot replaced a ballroom, decorated cars replaced centerpieces, and honking car horns replaced applause. Based on the smiles, it seemed to be a perfect night as many of the attendees were happy to be reunited after not seeing each other for 4 months.

In anticipation of this evening, scholarship winners were asked to send videotaped thank you speeches ahead of time which was put on YouTube for viewing during the event. Link: https://youtu.be/-VCln6QG6MY.

Senior Awards went to our Orange Coast Optimist Players who have been with the organization since Tinkos (5-6-year-old). We had three Seniors who received this honor, Kylie Lasconia from OCO Sparks , Aidan Kosaka and Trent Tsushio from OCO Saints. The awardees reflected on some of their favorite OCO memories.

The outgoing Youth Club Presidents Aidan Kosaka - 12th grade, Kara Chu - 11th grade, Ryan Inouye - 10th grade, Akemi Tanga - 9th grade and Morgan Seshiki - 8th grade received the President’s award for leading their clubs the past year.  They had the opportunity to share some of their highlights of the past year.

The evening ended with OCO President, Renee Kimoto installing the new officers for the upcoming year led by incoming Presidents Kristen Ho - 12th grade, Kevin Wong – 11th grade, Taylor Backman – 10th grade, Renee Morio – 9th grade.  The future is bright with these young leaders who are already thinking of ways to face whatever challenges lay ahead in 2021.