Platteville Optimist Club

We are honored to report that Platteville Optimist Club's very own Howard Crofoot has been selected to be the 2026-2027 Vice President of the Great Plains Region of Optimist International. When asked to describe his history with the Platteville Optimist Club and his new role as Great Plains Vice President, Howard stated: Howard Crofoot As the 2026–2027 Great Plains Vice-President, I am honored to work with amazing leaders at all levels of our organization. I joined the Pla

The recipient of the President's Citation must be a member of the club that embodies the spirit and essence of Optimism. They must be someone who is an inspiration to the club. Duane Borgen has contributed in an exceptional way to the advancement of Optimism in the club and community, Duane keeps records a Treasurer of our club and works hard to make sure checks are awarded to our grant winners, organizing recipients to attend meetings and receive checks eaxch month. Duane

The Chuck Thalmann Service award goes to someone who is an outstanding member of the Platteville Optimist Club. Chuck Thalmann was dedicated and active in serving others through various venues including church, community, and the Optimist organization. The member receiving this award must be an individual who has shown outstanding service, loyalty, and devotion to our club. Jerry was instrumental in the work that led to the matching grant with Optimist International to secure

President Terri Ellis selected Dianne Jentz as the 2026 Optimist of the Year. Terri explained that whenever she needed something, she would ask Dianne Jentz and she was willing to help. She generously served and volunteered a considerable amount of personal time and talent. She stepped forward often to make sure projects were successful - including mixing all the batter for cheese curds. Thank You and Congratulations, Dianne.

L-R: treasurer Duane Borgen, past president Bob Hundhausen, and secretary Jerry Schewe Each year, Optimist International announces the criteria for receiving various club awards. The two most visible awards are Honor Club and Distinguished Club designation. Quality programming, club operations, and community impact help determine the success of an Optimist club, and the criteria to be designated as an Honor or Distinguished Club are the foundation for long-term success.

Robin Fatzinger 2026 Volunteer of the Year Robin Fatzinger was recognized as the Platteville Optimist Club Volunteer of the Year at the "Salute to Volunteers" during the Party in Park on July 23, 2026. Robin volunteers to help with many of our club activities. She serves as co-chair of the Community Service Committee. She organized the hot dog give-a-way for the Ribbon Cutting of the new Platteville Family Aquatic Center. Recently she was involved in getting donations and r

Nuzaira Rabbini along with her mother, Farzana Marni were guests at our Friday morning meeting on June 5th. Nuzaira, Platteville Optimist Club's 2026 Oratorical Contest Winner, gave her speech for club members to enjoy. Optimist Ken Kamps talked about the history of our involvement with the Oratorical Contest, which continues to draw amazing talent from Platteville and the surrounding communities.

Sophie and her father Ryan Kammerud The SWIS District 3rd Quarter Conference for the 2025–2026 administrative year was held on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The event took place at the Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Northwest Conference Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The conference included the SWIS District Oratorical Contest where Sophie Kammerud, daughter of Hailee and Ryan Kammerud of Darlington, was 2nd Place Winner. Sophie received an award for second place and a $1,500 scho

L-R: Hayley Hamilton, Asma Sahak, and Optimist Alaina Reeves Platteville High School's annual Scholarship Awards Night for the Class of 2026 took place on May 11, 2026, where the community gathered to celebrate seniors and award localized scholarships. Alaina Reeves presented the scholarships on behalf of the Platteville Optimist Club. Hayley Hamilton, who will attend Southwest Tech's medical assistant program, received a $1,000 scholarship. Asma Sahak, who will attend Edg

The district Tri-Star basketball competition was held on Saturday at Prairie View Elementary in Sun Prairie. Platteville was well-represented, especially with winners: Harbor Studnicka – 2nd place, 6 year old girls Grant Cullen – 1st place, 6 year old boys Zeke Kellogg – 1st place, 7 year old boys Finley Richard – 1st place, 8 year old girls Brynnlee Spurley – 3rd place, 10 year old girls Carter Smith – 1st place, 10 year old boys Kaylin Spurley – 2nd place, 11 year old gir

The topic for our 2026 Essay Contest was How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me. The winners this year won not only the Essay Contest but also the Oratorical Contest. Nuzaira Rabbini, daughter of Farzana Marni and Mohammad Rabbini of Platteville placed first in the competition. She will receive $150 from the Platteville Optimist Club. As first place winner, Nuzaira will advance to the District Level, where the winner will receive a plaque and

The Optimist Club's 2026 Oratorical Contest was held at the Platteville High School on Monday, March 16th. "The Moment I Realized I Belonged - My Definition of Community" was the topic for this year's contest. Contestants placing first and second will move on to the SWIS District Zone 5 competition, with an opportunity to advance to District. At District Level, they are elgible to win scholarships in the amount of $2,500, $1,500 or $1,000. The contestants are pictured below

Some important segments of our annual banquet had to be delayed due to President Bob Hundhausen's illness. So let's play catch up: First...

The President’s Citation was awarded to Paul Budden for all of his work in our community and efforts with supporting the Fire Station,...

“Through rain, sleet, or snow the books must go!” What better friend of youth than someone who puts a book in your hand! It is wonderful...

Optimist of the Year - Joy Schewe attends meetings regularly and helps with all social gatherings and is actively involved in our...

Platteville Optimist Club 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Dianne Jentz with President Bob Hundhausen Bob had this to say about Dianne Jentz ...

Optimist President with scholarship winners Monica Manuel-Robles and Aspen Tesdahl Aspen Tesdahl Monica...

Three students participated in the SWIS District Zone 5 Oratorical Contest. Advancement to the District Level, they are eligible to win...

This year's contest topic is “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times” The contest was held on the evening of March 10, 2025 at...