Quinn Halliday of Alton Middle School and Andi Baker of Lovejoy Elementary School were named the Alton Area Optimist Club’s November Students of the Month.

The Optimist Club of the Alton region issues a $ 25 gift card to each student as well as a $ 25 donation to a non-profit organization of their choice.

Quinn, daughter of Michael and Angela Halliday of Godfrey, is a seventh grade student at Alton Middle School. She is a caring young woman who strives to lead by example. She is a student on the honor roll and works hard in the classroom. She has incredible leadership skills and goes above and beyond on a regular basis. She is very involved in the AMS music program. She plays the trumpet and the bass. She works very hard to be part of the band and the orchestra during the school day. She also participates in the Honors Band, the Jazz Band and is a member of the Schumann Chamber Orchestra. She excels in her instruments and is a very good musician. In her spare time, she enjoys playing football for the Fighting Irish.

Andi, daughter of Alton’s Timothy and Toni Baker, is a second grade student at Lovejoy Elementary. She is bright and curious and always eager to learn. She participates in class every day and enjoys using different strategies to show her learning. She enjoys math and reading. She adds her own experience and knowledge to the subjects she learns. She is helpful and friendly with her peers and teachers. She is an optimistic and positive role model for all. In her spare time, she participates in taekwondo and enjoys attending children’s church services at Abundant Life Church.

The Alton Area Optimist Club is a youth-focused community service organization that has existed for over 60 years in the Riverbend area. We enjoy responding to the needs of our local communities to create a more optimistic future for children. The Alton Area Optimist Club sponsors various youth sports teams, supports the Boys and Girls Scouts, participates in the Rock Springs Celebration of Lights, Memorial Day Parade and supports school activities such as poster competitions and elementary school students and intermediaries of the month. The Alton Area Optimist is also an annual sponsor of the 1st Recognition dinner for the speakers. Our most recent fundraiser is our Avenue of Flags, which continues to promote patriotism while recognizing and celebrating family members and friends. The Avenue of Flags is on display in Glazebrook Park on the five main public holidays. Our biggest activity is the granting of several college or professional scholarships to high school students in the region each year. To learn more about the Alton Area Optimist Club, donate or sponsor a flag, visit www.altonoptimist.com or like us on Facebook-Alton Area Optimist Club.