From volunteering with kids at the local YMCA, to comedy night at a Milford restaurant, the Junior Optimist International Club (JOI) is an organization at Milford High School that strives to spread positivity.
This club is always open to welcoming new members, and is a great opportunity to make friends in school. The first step is showing up to the monthly meeting during seminar.
A club meeting usually has an icebreaker to begin, such as Halloween Bingo, and always has snacks and water. The club officers review volunteering opportunities from the previous month, and discuss upcoming events that all members are encouraged to attend.
The JOI Club doesn’t have any volunteering requirements, but community service is encouraged. Members that have been a part of JOI for two plus years and volunteer for six events during their time in this organization receive a cord at graduation as well!
There are numerous opportunities to volunteer that are posted on the MHS JOI google classroom throughout the year. Some of the most memorable events from last year include a STEM night hosted by Kurtz Elementary School, Carl’s Family YMCA Valentine’s Day Dance, and a movie event with Santa sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of Michigan. These are all great projects that a handful of JOI members have been involved in.
Despite not requiring community service hours, all hours acquired through the organization can be applied towards the National Honor Society volunteering requirement too. Many members of JOI are also in the NHS, proving participation in both is possible.
Heather Lutz, a pre-calculus and personal finance teacher at MHS and club advisor, and puts immense effort into providing opportunities to spread positivity. “I love being at events and seeing the JOI volunteers happy and smiling.
Giving back is so rewarding,” stated Lutz. She’s been running this club since it first began in 2018. With promotion and dedication, she’s grown the club over the past few years.
Lutz isn’t the only one involved, though. JOI officers Eryn Mather and Mackenzie Cevallos have also kept club members engaged and excited about volunteering. Mather is the current MHS JOI Co-President, and has been in the club since her sophomore year.
As a senior, she’s served as a role model for underclassmen and has a true passion for volunteering. “I just genuinely love going out and making a difference in people’s lives,” said Mather. She brings this passion and excitement into the club meetings as well. Mather is also willing to educate everyone about the JOI Club. “I didn’t know it was such a big thing until I went to a conference over the summer,” she said. Mather is an embodiment of what the entire club is about: dedication, community service, and positivity.
Cevallos, the JOI Co-Vice President, has been a devoted member since her freshman year. She’s had numerous great experiences thanks to this organization. “I have met amazing new people and have gotten closer with some of the other officers,” stated Cevallos. She spends a lot of time spreading information about JOI with her Co-Vice President, Avery Graskewicz.
The JOI officers put immense effort into making this club a positive environment, and try to find ways to make volunteering fun. It’s highly impactful to the community and can foster a love of volunteering in students for years to come.