Event kicks off new organization - Never giving up on a hope and dream, the Lions Club of Mount Olivet recently celebrated the official beginning of the Sherrard Middle School LEO Club.

Lion Ina Jo Masteller, the club's LEO adviser, worked to see this event through to this special night. Guests in attendance included District Gov Sue Grub, Vice District Gov Bernice Pitcock, District LEO Chairman Doug Pettit, Sherrard Middle School Principal Joyce Cole and SMS LEO Advisor Ann Yoder. Also, several local Lions Clubs attended the celebration and presented the new club with gifts of cash to help begin their service to others.

The first LEO Club began in Pennsylvania in 1967 with 35 students. In 1967, Lions Clubs International adopted the LEO Club Program as an official program of the association. The objective of the LEO Club is: "to provide for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as responsible members of the local, national and international community."

LEO Clubs fulfill this objective every day and are an asset to the community. LEO Club activities and projects enhance the community and help young people develop and practice leadership, organization, and social skills. LEO Club involvement can instill in young people a lifetime commitment of helping others.

Each LEO Club that is formed has a sponsoring Lions Club and and individual Lions member who works closely with the LEOs to ensure that young members gain the most from their membership. School-based LEO Clubs draw on membership from one school, and also appoint a faculty advisor to assist the LEO Club. As a LEO member, each student has the opportunity to serve others, make new friends and view the world through another's perspective.