Last week was Kiwanis International Key Club Week.
Key Club is 97 service years strong and growing. The difference Key Club has made in the Hamilton Heights community and around the world is reason to celebrate all year long. As an important member of the Kiwanis family, Key Club has always represented the values in “serving the children of the world.”
Key Club is an international, student-led, high school organization. Its members make the world a better place through service. In doing so, they grow as individuals and as leaders by answering the call to lead, summoning the courage to engage, and develop the heart to serve. It is the largest high school service organization in the world and is a member of the Kiwanis International family.
Today, there are over 250,000 high school students involved in Key Clubs in 40 countries. Hamilton Heights High School Key Club is one of those. Created in 2007, it is under the leadership of Lillian Morris and has over 20 members. This year’s club officers include President Jack Monnin, Vice President Jack Morris, Secretary Sarah Stapleton, Treasurer Anna Rickey, and Web Master Carson Lenze. It is sponsored by the Cicero Kiwanis Club.
“Key Club is all about service,” said Lillian Morris, HHHS Special Education teacher who is in her third year as the club faculty advisor, who enjoys helping members to be a part of their school and community. “I love that they learn to be leaders and see themselves as an important part of their community. I also think it’s important to get kids out of their own situations and into their community. When they see what other people’s experiences are, it helps widen their perspectives.”
Key Club members help with activities like the Haunted Trails, HHES Backpack Buddies, Cicero Kiwanis Veteran’s Day Breakfast, Care Drive, Shoe Drive, Riley Roadblock, Angel’s Attic Roadblock, King’s Treasure Christmas event, and other activities as they come up at school or as a community need. The club also works on service projects throughout the year.
“As members, students have the opportunity to give back to the school and community in many ways,” Morris explained. “There are so many benefits to being a part of a service-oriented club. The opportunity to develop servant leadership skills while benefiting others is a powerful motivator. Our members are also learning amazing life skills while helping others along the way.”
Morris recommends students get involved early on to help build connections, philanthropy, and servant leadership throughout their high school years.
“Colleges and employers really take note of four-year members in this internationally-known organization,” she said. “I encourage members to be involved in everything they find interest in and can fit in their schedule – even if it’s only a 30-minute event, it’s still benefiting others.”