The Shawano Optimist Club recently held a banquet to celebrate its 50th year of serving the young people in the Shawano area. The master of ceremonies was charter member Jim Leuenberger who gave a brief review of Optimist International and of the Shawano Club, and welcomed several former members and guests.
Until 1987, Optimist International was a “men only” organization. In 1989, the Shawano Optimists welcomed Sandra Phillips as its first female member. She is still an active member today.
“Since that time, numerous women have been members of the local club and have contributed greatly,” Leuenberger said.
Vanessa Rueth, who just completed her year as governor of the Wisconsin North-Upper Michigan district, presented a proclamation from Optimist International congratulating the Shawano Optimists on their contributions to the Shawano area over the past 50 years.
Receiving the club’s highest honor, the James Leuenberger Lifetime Achievement Award, was Troy Edwards, who has been a member since 2002. In 2023, the Optimist board of directors established the award, which was to be presented to a longtime member in good standing who has contributed greatly to the club.
Edwards, a member since 2002, has served as club president for two terms and was named the club’s Optimist of the Year in 2014-15. He participates in nearly all club service projects and fundraisers and has served on the board of directors for several terms. He has also filled in as past president for members who left the club and has received the club’s perfect attendance award for 18 years.
Two years ago, Ben Elsner transferred from another club to the Shawano Optimists. During that time, he has participated in nearly every club activity and has also served as the lieutenant governor for the zone. He is now the governor-elect for the WINUM district for 2027-28. In making the presentation, last year’s recipient, Kristine Rankin, said that Elsner has been a very valuable member ever since he joined the local club and brings considerable leadership experience as well.
Each year, Shawano Optimist members who achieve a certain level of attendance at club meetings, fundraisers and service projects are given a perfect attendance award. Heading the list is Leuenberger, who has achieved 49 years of perfect attendance.
Others achieving perfect attendance were Adam Gast, one year; Ben Elsner, two years; Sandra Carroll and Kristine Rankin, four years; Robyn Shingler, eight years; Jim Liesner, nine years; Dan Mauel and Lorine Raddant, 10 years; Troy Edwards, 18 years; Ryan Alexander, 19 years; Michael Sleeper, 26 years; Gail Moesch, 27 years; and Jim Black, 28 years.
Officers and directors for the 2026-27 year were introduced by Leuenberger. They include President Ryan Alexander; Vice President-Fund Raising Liesner; Vice President-Youth Activities-Kristine Rankin; Secretary Moesch; Treasurer Black; and immediate past President Shingler.
Directors are Edwards, Mauel, Carroll, Greg Parker, Gast and Raddant.
The Shawano Optimists meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 6:45 a.m. at Farm Inn’ On Main in downtown Shawano. Anyone wanting to learn about joining the club can contact any Optimist member or go to the Shawano Optimist Club website.
On behalf of Optimist International, immediate past governor for the WINUM district, Vanessa Rueth, presents a 50th anniversary proclamation to, from left, Shawano Optimist President Ryan Alexander, Vice President-Fund Raising Jim Liesner and charter member Jim Leuenberger. (Contributed)
Kristine Rankin presents the Optimist of the Year award to Ben Elsner. (Contributed)
