From left to right, Jadea Deahl, Gabriel Smith, Kristin Mattia and Kathrin Bizzarro. Not pictured: Christopher Kahl, Jacob Kolterjahn, Alyssa Niemi, Saya Scott and Cameron Witte.

Prince Frederick, MD – The Calvert-Prince Frederick Optimist Club has carried on a tradition that dates back 45 years. The local club celebrated Youth Appreciation Week, a nearly 60-year program established by Optimist International. The purpose of the program is to recognize outstanding young people in the area for their achievements in study and extracurricular activities and their participation in extracurricular programs within the community.

Calvert County Commissioners last month declared Nov. 3-10 “Calvert County Youth Appreciation Week.”

With the help of guidance counselors from the four Calvert County public high schools, up to 10 seniors were recognized in each school.

The seniors at Patuxent High School (PHS) this year are:

Kathrin M. Bizzarro, who excelled in the classroom and on the PHS stage, aiming to attend college and major in theater.

Jadea A. Deahl, who has received numerous academic honors, has played varsity lacrosse and soccer, and plans to eventually enroll in law school.

Christophe A. Kahl, who belongs to several clubs, has won a few awards, is an outstanding competitive swimmer and hopes to attend the Merchant Marine Academy.

Jacob N. Kolterjahn, who is an honorary student, athlete and intends to go to college, majoring in aerospace engineering.

Kristin M. Mattia, who is an honorary student, involved in student government, volunteers at community festivals and plans to major in dietetics.

Alyssa J. Niemi, who is an honorary student, a Girl Scout Silver Award recipient, a PHS athlete and plans to pursue biomedical studies at the university.

Saya Scott, who is involved in many student and university activities, community projects, intends to major in languages ​​and serve in the Marines.

Gabriel Smith, who is an honorary student, an eagle scout, an athlete, a musician and plans to go to college, majoring in computer science.

Cameron J. Witte, who is an honorary student, a college football and baseball player, intends to major in nuclear and mechanical engineering and become a naval officer.

Contact Marty Madden at [email protected]