Pasadena Memorial High School seniors Brandon Farris and Kimberly Alexander and Bondy Intermediate School eighth grader Annelise Moore were recently honored as the Pasadena Noon Optimist Club’s Junior Optimists for October.

Every month, two Pasadena ISD students from each high school campus and one student from each intermediate campus have the opportunity to be selected as Junior Optimists by their school administrators and teachers in recognition of being good citizens in their school and community.

Pasadena Memorial Assistant Principal Tish Eubanks said Farris and Alexander were chosen because of their hard work and dedication to their respective sports and to the overall climate of the school.

“Both students are actively involved in their sports,” Eubanks said. “They spend a great deal of time outside of class preparing for games and practicing their skills. Both students are involved in clubs and organizations throughout the school.”

Farris plays on the football team while Alexander is active in volleyball. They are also members of the Maverick Globetrotters and Fellowship of Christian Athletes organizations.

“I think both of these students sacrifice a lot to be a part of our football and volleyball teams all the while maintaining good grades,” said Eubanks. “These students make good choices and should be recognized for their attributes which make good citizens.”

Both Farris and Alexander said it is an honor to be recognized by their school administrators for their hard work and dedication both in and out of the classroom.

“We both hope we can spread the word so others will aspire to work hard at whatever they are interested in and to become the best,” the students said. “We hope underclassmen will see we have made good choices during our years at Pasadena Memorial.”

Moore’s mother and Bondy Intermediate School peer facilitator and math department chair Lori Deardorff said Moore was selected as a Junior Optimist by her team of teachers because of her attitude, citizenship, leadership qualities and high goals for the future.

“Annelise is a model student,” Deardorff said. “She makes all A’s in academics and in conduct on her report card. Not only is she mature and respectful to adults and her classmates, but she also is always striving to follow the rules of the school and she encourages her classmates to do the same.”

Moore is a Bondy cheerleader and a District All-Star Cheerleader, and she sings in the school’s Acappella Choir, the All-Region Choir and in the Youth Choir at South Main Baptist Church. She is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Performing Theater and Patriot Scholars.

Deardorff said she thinks this is a great opportunity for all students.

“This type of award makes students feel as though they are respected by the community and it encourages them to continue a path in life that will give back to their community,” she said.

Moore said she is grateful to be chosen by her teachers for this award and she hopes to serve as a role model to others.

“I hope I can live up to my teachers’ expectations throughout my educational career,” Moore said. “I also hope my actions will encourage others to be good students and community members. I hope they will follow my example and start making plans now on specific goals in life and how they can become productive citizens in our community.”