This is Kiwanis International Key Club Week, and members of Hamilton Heights High School’s Key Club Chapter are taking this opportunity to share the many benefits of service.
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 was created in 2007. It is under the leadership of Lillian Morris and Elisa Garcia and has 42 members. It is sponsored by the Cicero Kiwanis Club.
An important part of Key Club Week is creating awareness about the club, using this opportunity to highlight projects, promote the club, and show the community what Key Club is all about – service. “This is a good week to highlight the club, student members, and work in the community,” said Morris, who is in her second year as the club faculty advisor. “However, we work on service projects throughout the year. As members, students have the opportunity to give back to the school and community in many ways.”
Morris may be biased, but she says 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 learning amazing life skills while helping others along the way,” she noted.
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.”
Club members participated in the Haunted Trails at Red Bridge Community Park in Cicero last month. They are also helping with Backpack Buddies at Hamilton Heights Elementary School, will be a visible part of the Cicero Kiwanis Annual Veteran’s Day Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 13, and out in force at a community roadblock on Saturday, Nov. 20 to help raise money for Hamilton Heights Angel Tree program to name club-led activities through the end of the year.
The club is currently gearing up to host a Personal Care Drive to benefit Dayspring Homeless Shelter in Indianapolis Nov. 15-19. All donations of needed personal care items and financial contributions can be made in care of Hamilton Heights High School.
Senior Edward Morris, who is serving as President of Heights Key Club, is a four-year member of the club.
“I joined Key Club because it seemed like it would be a fun experience and a great way to help my community,” he said. “Key Club helps bring more awareness of the needs in our community. It is my hope that through my involvement I can encourage others to give of their time. I hope to get more people involved with Key Club. With more people, more things can be done.”
Morris’ twin brother, Joseph, agrees. He is a four-year member of Hamilton Heights Key Club, serving as its Vice President.
“I became a member of Key Club because I enjoy helping others and it makes me feel good to work in my community to help others,” he said. “I think it’s important to have a Key Club Chapter so that students can have the opportunity to help in their community. It helps us know where the needs are and how we can help. I feel like students want to help others but are not sure of how to do that. Key Club lets them know how to help and lets them be a part of their community in a positive way.”