Madison Lions Reveal Miss Be Thankful for 2025

Lions Pride

You don’t have to go to Africa to see the Lions Pride. Wednesday night the Madison Lions revealed with pride the name of the owner of those beautiful eyes that set off the Be Thankful Drive. In a banquet in the grand ballroom at Quattros Restaurant, Keely Parri, a junior at Daniel Hand High School was acclaimed this year’s Miss Be Thankful in a fund-raising mailing that raised a record amount in the Lions efforts to wipe out eye diseases and provide services for the blind and sight impaired.

The daughter of Brian and Kerrie Parri, Keely is the 61st annual DHHS student whose photographed eyes have been the catalyst for an annual fund drive that benefits Lions sight conservation and related vision projects.

Selected by the guidance department at the high school not only for her beautiful eyes, but as spokesperson Cynthia Skarsten, described Keely as a “remarkable student whose presence at Daniel Hand High School has been nothing short of inspiring.”

“From the moment Keely stepped into high school, she set herself apart with her passion for English and history, subjects in which she consistently excelled. Her love for storytelling and critical analysis has been a driving force in her academic life, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to class discussions. Keely's insights often illuminate new perspectives, encouraging her peers to engage more deeply with the material.

Outside the classroom, Keely's involvement in extracurricular activities speaks volumes about her commitment to engaging with the DHHS community beyond academics. As a dedicated member of the Make a Wish Club and Safe and Sound Club, she has demonstrated her desire to make a positive impact on her community.

Keely's passion for soccer and photography further highlights her diverse talents and interests. These pursuits have not only provided her with personal fulfillment but have also taught her valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and creative expression. Her love for photography, in particular, allows her to capture the world through her unique lens, a skill that will undoubtedly enrich her future endeavors. I have no doubt that she will continue this success at the collegiate level.”

The Miss Be Thankful concept originated in 1963 when two Madison Lions club members introduced it as a fund raiser for vision projects. The photographed eyes of an outstanding DHHS student are featured in a mail appeal to the Madison public. Keely’s eyes were the catalyst for this year’s annual fund drive that benefits Lions sight conservation and related vision projects. Well over $100,000 has been raised and donated for eye research, payment of eye care for the needy in Madison, and providing devices that help the visually impaired to better deal with the challenges of daily life. Anyone wishing to donate to the current campaign may make their check payable to the Madison Lions Foundation with the notation “MBT” in the memo section, and mail it to PO Box 99, Madison, CT 06443.

Contact info; Article written and submitted by Richard Borner, president and treasurer of the Madison Lions Foundation. Contact telephone is 860-227-8045, e-mail is dasaborner@aol.com.