77th Annual District Convention 2024-2025

Greetings, Fellow Ohio District Optimists:
It is that time of year again! Summer is here, kids are off school, and we are winding down the 2024-2025 Optimist year. It has been a great year.
Many children have received love and support from you, the Ohio District Optimists. I cannot say thank you enough for all your dedication and hard work.

I want to personally invite you to the 77th Ohio Optimist Convention. I know you are busy. What Optimist is not? The convention committee and I are putting together a wonderful day full of friendship, tasty food, entertainment, training, and just plain fun! We NEED you there.

We want you to meet the new Governor for 2025-2026, Debbie Walsh. She has a wonderful year planned and you will hear all about it. You will also meet the new leadership team. You will get a chance to vote on the candidate(s) for Governor Elect. Come, vote, and get to know your future Governor Elect. There will be presentations and roundtable discussions on leadership, marketing, and membership, a culmination of our training this year.

And finally, an evening is planned – with emcee Debe Dockins, a message from Optimist International President Jan Oord Graves, a short enjoyable summary of the Ohio Optimist year, and entertainment from Elvis himself. (Really an impersonator) The evening will be upbeat and fun!!!!

Please join us and enjoy yourselves. You will be happy you did!
Yours in Optimism,
Terry Schalnat
Governor

The Brockman Brothers will entertain us during lunch on Saturday, August 16th. The Brockman Brothers, Owen and Will, are talented young musicians from Centerville, Ohio. Owen, a banjo prodigy, and Will, a skilled guitarist, have captivated audiences throughout the Dayton area.

If you cannot attend for the training, you can still join us for dinner and entertainment the evening of Saturday, August 16th.

TOP TEN REASONS TO ATTEND THE CONVENTION

1. Opportunity to meet and be inspired by International President Jan Oord.
2. Incredible training for President-Elects, Secretary/Treasurer-Elects, Lt. Governor-Elects, as well non-officer Optimists.
3. Obtain new fundraising & project ideas for your club and share your club activities with fellow Optimists.
4. Renew old friendships and make new optimist friends from all over the Great Ohio District.
5. See the fantastic Great Ohio Optimist District JOI students in action.
6. Hear Rick Willits, Director of Development at Lehman Catholic High School, share success stories and give tips on member engagement.
7. Be inspired to add new members to your club to serve more youth in your community.
8. Celebrate The Great Ohio Optimist District’s achievements in 24-25.
9. Get motivated to help Governor-Elect Debbie Walsh lead us to greater achievements in 25-26 Optimist year.
10. Enjoy the fun & fellowship of the 77th Annual Convention of the Great Ohio District at the Governor’s Ball with Elvis!