The Greensburg Optimists Club named their James E. Greiwe Memorial Optimist of the Year Award recipients on Thursday. The Optimists first recalled the origin story of the award. In the Fall of 1977 Jack Goodman was the President of the Optimists. Unfortunately that year Jack and his wife lost both of their sons in an accident. Jim Greiwe was a good friend of theirs and through that friendship Jack was able to make it through the rough time. Greiwe always had a positive outlook on life even when he was diagnosed with MS, which later ended up taking his life. Jack made this award to honor Jim and his positive outlook on life despite everything he was going through.
The 2022 James E. Greiwe Memorial Optimist of the Year Award recipients were John and Adele Corya. Both grew up in Decatur County and met at the A&W while still in high school. They have been married for 50 years and have raised 3 children together. John was on the initial board that founded the Decatur County United Fund and helped the YMCA for many years by being involved in their projects. John also started High Grade Excavating and was a farmer, but still made time to make a difference in organizations and the community despite the busy schedule. Adele was instrumental in implementing both the meal program for after funerals and the hot meals program for those in need at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Adele is always willing to be the hostess for different events and celebrations the organizations they help hold and is also the President at High Grade Excavating. Both continue to find time to support their community as a team and many organizations noted on how they always have profound respect for one another.
Adele and John appreciated everything said about them. They did all of those things because they love this community and, to them, this is the center of the universe.
Morgan Schofield
WTRE News
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