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The History of the Spring Lake Park Leo Club
Norm McCarthy (SLP Lions member) talked with the administration at Spring Lake Park High School(SLPHS) and the Learning Alternative (LA) High School in District 16 in 1996. Both schools were very interested in a Leo Service Club and wished to proceed with the program. The first year of existence included participants only from the Learning Alternative school. In later years both SLPHS and LA students were members of the club.
The Leos Club agreed to be organized as a community club as opposed to a school club. This organizational set-up allowed the inclusion of middle school students and youth from outside of District 16 schools. The club would also have self control of their finances. The Leos Club convened for its initial meeting in the Fall of 1996 and swore in 22 members. The governor of the Lions 5M-7 District, SLP Lion officers and many members of SLP Lions Club were in attendance for this first meeting and swearing in ceremony. Also, numerous family members of the Leos were present in the SLPHS cafeteria for this meeting.
The first year for the Leo Club went well with meetings held the 2nd and 4thMondays of each month. Also, many the Leos participated in many service activities such as, the Public TV Membership drive, SLP Lions Pancake Breakfast, Adopt-A-Highway, selling candy canes, bell ringing for the Salvation Army. Janet Lucy was the first District 16 Leo Club Advisor and led the group during the first year. In 1997, Robin Watson from Community Services took over the Club as the advisor until September of 2000. Pete Yelle, hired by District 16 Community Services in March 2000, became the new Leo Advisor when Robin took a teaching position at the LA High School. Pete is currently advisor to over 30 Leo Club members. |
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