YOUTH APPREICATION WEEK PROCLAIMED IN JACKSON

Recognizing the Jackson Optimist Club for "giving its time, money and effort for 61 years toward the education and development" of area youth, the Jackson City Council recently proclaimed Nov. 6-9 Youth Appreciation Week in Jackson.

During Youth Appreciation Week, the Optimist Club will have free line skating and roller skating at the Jackson Skate Center on Highway. 72 West for grades 1-6. On Nov. 18 there will be free bowling and free pool tables for grades 7-9 from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Youth Appreciation Week was created by the late T. Earl Yarborough, an Optimist who developed the program after recognizing that children are almost never publicly praised and commended. The first Youth Appreciation Day was held May 22, 1955 in North Carolina. The first Youth Appreciation Week began in 1957 in five states and one Canadian province.

President Richard Nixon signed the first Youth Appreciation proclamation Nov. 5, 1971. He challenged the 21 youth present at the signing to "build a compassionate world" and become leaders in the future.

Since 1957, Optimist clubs have recognized youth or their talent in the arts, athletics, academics and for contributions to their community. The week provides a perfect opportunity for each club or organization to recognize youth and involve them in Optimist activities. More than 2,000 clubs participate in the Youth Appreciation Week each year.

In the proclamation, signed by Mayor Paul Sander, every Jackson citizen was urged "to join in this observance and extend a salute to the Optimist Club for truly being a Friend of the Youth.'"