The October Youth Optimist is Bailey Iwen, who was nominated by Mrs. Alexandra Libby and Mrs. Polly Koebe. Mrs. Libby writes, “Bailey is the pinnacle of optimism. She is incredibly happy, upbeat, and friendly to everyone she encounters. She has excelled in Link Crew over the last three years and consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. A great example is last year for Valentine’s Day she wanted to make sure that everyone in her Link Group felt special and made homemade Valentine’s for all of them. This was not expected in any way, and the freshman she works with loved it.”
Mrs. Libby continues to say, “I can’t say enough good things about Bailey. She truly is a stand out person in terms of her character and work ethic. She always takes the high road, thinks of others, and is willing to help out in whatever way possible. She is well liked by peers and staff and seen as an example of what we want MHS students to be like.”
Mrs. Koebe comments, “Bailey comes to class each and every day with the most positive attitude I have ever seen in any student. She is always encouraging others and tries to help whenever she can. She will spend time getting the help she needs and never lets it get her down if she did not do as well as she had hoped.” Mrs. Koebe also states, “On a daily basis I see her positive, helpfulness and always looking on the bright side quality. You do not see this in very many people. She never seems to let things get her down; she can always find the positive in any situation. You feel good to have her around. You know her character is positive, light, and good.”
As an added note from Mrs. Koebe she says, “In class, my seating chart is random, and this is a testament to her true and good character. She sat next to a person who truly has issues and struggles. Bailey, each and every day will take the time to help this person by working the problems with him and explaining/helping him solve it. She talks to him and helps him with other things as well, trying to have him see the positives in his various situations. I unfortunately do not think anyone else in that class would have done the same, not to the extent Bailey does.”
Bailey is active in such school activities as tennis, Student Council, Drum Major in the Merrill Marching Jays, Future Christian Athletes, class officer and school plays and musicals. She has been the recipient of band scholarships, Forensics First Place at state, Solo Ensemble State finalist, “I Dare You” 4-H award, Key Award 4-H, Outstanding Player Award for band, Marching Jays letter award, Marching Jays Plaque award, Honor roll (all high school years), muralist invitee, National Honor Society, VFW Auxiliary Patriotic Art contest (first place local winner, 3rd place state winner), Prom Queen, Link Crew leader, and Accelerated Art Program.
Outside of school Bailey participates in Lincoln County 4-H as an Ambassador, Leaders Association, Inc, Board of Directors, and member. She is also a member of the UWMC band, Merrill City Band, church choir, Jerry’s Ensemble Choir, Wausau Conservatory Clarinet Choir, and Dorinda’s Dance. Bailey is a Sunday School teacher/helper, VBS coordinator for games/helper, Make A Difference Day helper, Big Sister, and has served at Lenten Soup Suppers.
After her high school career, Bailey’s goal is to be a studio art major and plans to attend UW Stevens Point of Wausau, then UW-Stout. Her dream job would be a Pixar Disney animator and to work for Disney’s Make A Wish Foundation. She is the daughter of Pam and Douglas Iwen.