Shakespeare Optimist Club celebrates outgoing president Mike McNeil

The newly elected Shakespeare Optimist Club executive for 2025-2026 includes, from left, Jeff Skubowius (treasurer), Ted Danen, Hugh McDermid, Pete Kreyger, David Croskill, Jeremy Witzel (newly elected president) and Greg Storey from the Mornington Optimist Club (zone lieutenant-governor). Gary West photo

By Gary West

Members of the Shakespeare Optimist Club gathered recently to honour retiring president Mike McNeil, whose years of leadership and enthusiasm left a lasting mark on both the club and the community.

When McNeil first accepted the role of president, he wasn’t sure what the journey would bring, but his energy and ideas helped revitalize the club and its connection with local youth. Under his leadership, the club reintroduced Chocolate Bar Bingo nights, organized its 50th anniversary celebrations and saw the completion of the newly paved walking track and exercise area.

He also helped the club strengthen its community partnerships, budgeting for donations to Sprucedale and North Easthope Public Schools, and ensuring the continuation of key youth programs such as the annual bike rodeo and the popular youth fishing derby.

Throughout his term, McNeil worked alongside his wife, Cheryl, and their two teenage daughters, balancing family life with an unwavering dedication to the Optimist mission of supporting youth and community wellbeing.