Washington-Wilkes Middle School teacher Libby Swinson (center) is honored by Optimists (l) L. Dan Coxwell, vice president, and David Chafin,president, for her efforts with youth. "Each year the Optimist Club of Washington presents its 'Friend of Youth' award to someone in the community that has promoted the youth and or a youth program," Coxwell said. This year's recipient is Swinson, the middle school sponsor for the Optimist Club's oratorical contest for the past four years, he said. "Each year the program has grown in popularity among the students mainly due to her efforts."