2024 - 2025 East Missouri Optimists Governor’s Choice Awards
Hurry - nominations close July 15
This is YOUR chance to recognize someone who deserves a special award!
We know there are many Optimist members who really stand out. These members work hard for the community and deserve a big pat on the back. Let's encourage them by recognizing their efforts.
Here are the categories:
1. Bringing out the best in youth
2. Bringing out the best in our communities
3. Bringing out the best in ourselves
4. Outstanding member
5. Outstanding District member
6. Outstanding Rookie
7. Club President of the year
8. Lt. Governor of the year
9. Best new club project
10. Don Sievers award
11. Ken Monschein award
Detailed explanations and the nomination forms are here HERE.
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Get Ready For That 80's Vibe At Our District Convention!
EMO Convention - Empowering Clubs
Our organization is dedicated to empowering clubs by providing education and support. Through our programs at our Convention, we strive to create strong clubs with effective leadership. One more way we are strengthening our clubs in order to further our mission to make a difference by bringing out the best! Become a part of our community and help us create lasting change!
Come and help us celebrate the wonderful accomplishments of our members and clubs at the Awards Banquet! Nominations and voting continue through July 15 on our A&A page. We will also have our District Officer Installation.
Early Bird Rate for the Convention is $80 through 7/31/25 & $90 after that date. The cost for the Awards Banquet on 8/16/25 is $50. Register online for both the Convention and Awards Banquet HERE! Alternatively, you may scan the QR code below.
Courtyard by Marriott
Our Convention will once again be at this lovely hotel at 3301 Lemone Blvd. in Columbia!
Courtyard Columbia special group rate is 124.00 USD per night - Last Day to Book is Thursday, July 31, 2025
Reserve your hotel room online here: Book your group rate for East MO Optimist
You may also call the hotel at 573.443.8000 The group code is EOC.
And The Winners of the Scholarship Contests Are...
Olivia Blair 1st Place Oratorical Contest
Olivia Drenin 2nd Place Oratorical Contest
Olivia Drenin 2nd Place Oratorical Contest
Olivia was sponsored by the Twin City Area Optimist Club and she wins a $2,500 scholarship!
Olivia Drenin 2nd Place Oratorical Contest
Olivia Drenin 2nd Place Oratorical Contest
Olivia Drenin 2nd Place Oratorical Contest
Olivia Drenin was also sponsored by the Twin City Area Optimist Club and she wins a $1,500 scholarship!
Laurena Talavedra 3rd Place Oratorical Contest
Laurena will receive a $1,000 scholarship and she was sponsored by the Optimist Club of St. Louis. Also shown are Karl Tyminski, Oratorical Contest Chair and EMO Governor Jean Naeger.
Olivia Lee Essay Contest Winner
Olivia was sponsored by the Twin City Area Optimist Club and she wins a $2,500 scholarship. She is pictured with EMO Governor Jean Naeger.
East Missouri Optimist: Empowering Communities
Save The date
- June 6, 2025 EMO Jr. Golf Tournament - Ste. Genevieve Golf Club, Ste. Genevieve, MO
- June 29-July 3, 2025 - Optimist International Convention - St. Louis Union Station - St. Louis, MO
- July 17-18, 2025 World Oratorical Championships, St. Louis University, Center for Global Studies, St. Louis, MO
- August 15-17, 2025 EMO Fourth Quarter Convention - Courtyard by Marriott, Columbia, MO
Find Our District Directory Here
Check out our new District Members Portal
Click the EMO Resources button below. Then choose the Members Portal from the drop down menu to login to your account.
Let's Welcome OI President To Our EMO Community Today
Invite Jan Oord Graves to Your Club's Event!
We are excited to invite you to be a part of the Optimism Tour by welcoming President Jan Oord Graves to one of your upcoming events! This initiative aims to spread positivity, share innovative ideas, and celebrate our collective successes. Jan’s inspiring presence and insightful perspectives will undoubtedly uplift our community and encourage us all to embrace a brighter outlook. We believe that this visit will not only enhance our gatherings but also empower each of us to champion optimism in our endeavors. Let's come together to create an unforgettable experience that fosters connection and inspiration! #Spreadingoptimismtour #OptimistInternational #BeAnOptimist #Signuptoday
Showcase Your Club
Display how your club makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Whether by coaching football for young children, orchestrating a read-a-thon, or conducting a TriStar event at a park, demonstrate how your club continues to provide vital services and fill a community void. Go ahead and toot your own horn a little bit!
Communication Communication Communication
Keeping In Touch
Coming direct to your inboxes! We are evolving and new methods of sharing information are on the way! Be sure to add emoptimistdist@gmail.com and emo.aa.ad@gmail.com to your contacts so you will easily see various emails and newsletters from our district leadership! Yes, every member will be receiving things such as call letters for our conferences!
****We are once again using FlashIssue as our software for our newsletters. But rest assured, this is a legitimate email. In fact, it will be a good idea to add this email address to your contacts or in some manner mark it so that future newsletters will not end up in your spam folder.****