For South Houston Intermediate School eighth grader Laura Parras, hard work means rewards, as she was recently named as the school’s first-ever Junior Optimist.

“It’s an awesome feeling to be the first optimist here at South Houston,” Parras said. “It’s really nice to be rewarded for the things I do and am involved with.”

Optimist Clubs throughout the world conduct service projects aimed at helping the youth. Intermediate and high school students throughout Pasadena ISD are recognized each month as optimists of the month. Parras was nominated by her eighth grade social studies instructor, Signe Peterson.

“When I was asked to nominate a student for junior optimist, Laura’s name instantly popped in my head,” said Peterson. “Laura is an all-around, excellent student. She is always working hard and getting involved. She’s the kind of kid you wish you had a classroom full of.”

Parras is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, the school’s eighth grade volleyball team and the yearbook committee. Parras also plays the viola in the orchestra and serves as a teachers’ aide around campus. Parras also earns her name on the honor roll list with straight A’s every six weeks.

Parras will be attending South Houston High School next year and said she plans to continue her frequent involvement. Parras also said she wants to continue playing the viola and volleyball in high school, as well as be involved with photojournalism and the yearbook committee.

“It’s motivating to know that I will be able to do a lot in high school and still succeed academically because I’m involved in so much now and still maintain my grades,” Parras said.

Eighth grade peer facilitator Gail Ward is heading the Junior Optimist Club on campus and said it’s open to all seventh and eighth grade students who are interested.

“We wanted to start the club on campus because we want to find ways to involve our students with the community and the community with our school, and that’s what this organization is all about,” said Ward. “Our students need to be recognized for their good citizenship, and we want to show them their hard word does and will pay off. Being selected as an optimist is just another motivator for our students to set goals and accomplish them.”

Ward said officers will be selected for the club, and all of the students will participate in community service projects. The students will also create projects based on community needs. One optimist will be chosen each month.

“I think having an optimist once a month is a great way to recognize the kids who are doing well, so they continue to do well, and this opportunity also gives all of our students something to strive for,” Peterson said. “I hope this recognition helps to push Laura even further and lets her and other students know their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”