MENOMONIE (November 27, 2024) – The Menomonie Optimist Club has honored Menomonie High School senior Brooklyn Sterry and Elk Mound High School senior Anika Hazeltine as October Youth of the Month. Brooklyn, the daughter of Ryan and Wendy Sterry, and Anika, whose guardian is Lindsey McCormack, were honored at the Optimist’s October meeting.
Brooklyn Sterry is described by school officials as a person of true character, with deep care for others, with knowledge and passion, leadership and effort in her high school career. Brooklyn has been a three-sport athlete all four years in volleyball, basketball and softball. She’s also a member of the Na-tional Honor Society, and part of the group Health Occupations Students of America. Brooklyn demonstrates her commitment to health professions as she serves as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Our House Memory Care facility in Menomonie. She has set a goal to study toward becoming a Nurse Practitioner after high school.

Anika Hazeltine of Elk Mound has her goal set on a career in environmental earth science, which she hopes to study at UW-Eau Claire. History and science classes have been her favorites throughout high school. Anika has been serving as a tutor for special education and at-risk program students at Elk Mound High school. She is described as “naturally gifted with intervening with students of different needs and populations. She is exceptionally gracious in understanding the needs of others as she finds the most positive outcomes while tutoring.” Teachers describe Anika as a leader, and as someone who is charismatic and considerate, and a huge asset for Elk Mound High School.
In addition to recognizing outstanding youth, the Menomonie Optimists also provide free dictionaries to every third grade student in Dunn County, have adopted and done work projects at Hoffman Hills for almost 40 years, and sponsor the annual Menomin Meander family-friendly bike ride each summer.