The Shelby Optimist Club in partnership with the North Carolina District of Optimist International has donated 1000 “Success for Teens” books valued at $10,000.00 to Burns Middle School. The books are part of the “Youth Empowerment Service” of Optimists everywhere. The Youth Empowerment Service was started by Charlotte Optimist and businessman, John Laurents of Matthews.”  The purpose of the Youth Empowerment Service is to empower the youth of today with the important life skills they will need to become successful human beings, successful sons and daughters, successful students, successful friends, successful brothers and sisters and successful contributing members of our communities”, said Laurents in speaking to the faculty, at Burns Middle School, on Monday, September 10th.  Mrs. Ann Caldwell, Principal said “We are very blessed to receive this $10,000 book donation which will empower our students to become more successful and allow our students to have a wonderful tool to further assist them with making their dreams come true.”
The Shelby Optimist Club needs your help. Volunteers are needed to present the "Success for Teens" book to students of the Cleveland County Schools. To join in this effort contact Crystal Brown at (704) 418-4878. The volunteer commitment for this effort is only about two hours per week over a short eight week period.
Pictured left to right: Michael Maxson, Weddington Optimist Club President; Crystal Brown, Cleveland County Optimist Club President; David Smith, Assistant Principal Burns Middle School, Ann Caldwell, Principal-Burns Middle School, John Laurents, Youth Empowerment Service/Charlotte Past President of Optimist Club and Louie Grigg, Assistant Principal, Burns Middle School.

 Courtesy:  Ann Caldwell -  Photo: Carol McSwain