The Carolinian
 Issue 1, April-June 2017
Letter from the Governor
Carolinas District, I would like to introduce myself in case I have not had the pleasure of meeting you. My name is Julia Terry and I am the 2017-2018 Governor of the Carolinas District of CKI! I started off my Kiwanis journey a few years back in Key Club and ever since then I have been hooked. I learned quickly that what makes this organization special is our Kiwanis family and the passion we share. This is best described by the Circle K International motto: “live to serve, love to serve.” I remember very distinctly the first, big, Key Club event I participated in was with my local Kiwanians and another Key Club at a Halloween festival. We were all dressed up to hand out candy to kids. Sounds super fun, right? Well, this was outside, at night, in late October, in Colorado. People’s lips were literally turning blue and getting your fingers to contract to pick up the candy was painful. However, it was one of the best events I have ever participated in because of the other people I met that night. Open, happy, compassionate, thankful, generous and just plain awesome are a few words I can use to describe these individuals. Moving to North Carolina and being in this organization for many years has not changed my perception of the Kiwanis family and the individuals in it. I see leaders, caregivers, and action takers at every level and on every branch. I see a community where positivity and fellowship is strongly encouraged. Most importantly, I see the passion to serve in order to make a positive impact in others’ lives. I see the joy that comes from doing something for another person, no matter how small. I hope that this bulletin is just one of the ways that we can highlight these crucial aspects of our organization. Sometimes we can get bogged down in the logistics and politics because we are so vast and because we encourage others to take leadership positions. But we hope that when you go through this fun and informative issue of our revamped bulletin, you can see that passion come through with everything that we do, even at the district and international levels. Thank you for taking the time to read this bulletin. I hope you enjoy it! Yours in service, fellowship, and leadership, Julia Terry Carolinas District Governor of CKI carolinasgovernor.cki@gmail.com
Editor's Blurb Hello Carolinas District
It is my pleasure to bring you the first issue of The Carolinian for the 2017-2018 year. This year we have accomplished so much and this quarterly newsletter is honoring and highlighting the great things happening in the Carolinas District. Check it out to see if you are featured and if not and you want to be, submit articles to me! Thank you for taking the time, and I look forward to an amazing year with the Carolinas District. All the best, Chelsie Higdon; District Bulletin Editor
Thank you
ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS
PHOTOGRAPHERS Jon Hethcox Chelsie Higdon Walter Melgar Trenton Spigener Meredith Roaten Yessica Orzoco Kylie Wilson Drew Kelley
Julia Terry Kylie Wilson Courtney Boger Jennifer Hethcox Kelvin Pineda Nelson Schacht Sebastian Vasquez Chad Ledford Jon Hethcox Sara Mylin George Lin Cristian Rios
Carolinas CKI District Board
District
Board
2017
2018
Julia Terry Governor
Sydney Salloum Secretary
Nelson Schacht Treasurer
Chelsie Higdon Bulletin Editor
Walter Melgar Cameron Kate McVay Rachel Hamilton Capital LTG Blue Ridge LTG Coastal LTG
Kelvin Pineda Metro LTG
Marissa Gross Palmetto LTG
Genesis Reyes Triad LTG
Sara Mylin Con-Con Chair
Cristian Rios MDE Chair
George Lin Service Chair
Upcoming Dates CKIx- July 5th-9th San Antonio, TX
Summer Social - July 28th-30th Atlanta, CKIx - July GA5th-9th
FCC - Oct. 20th-22nd Brevard, NC
Service The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. -Ghandi
The Governor's Project
Pr
ject Heart: What makes you tick?
Overview Every year the Governor chooses a specific thing or organization that they focus on and that becomes The Governor’s Project, however this year is a bit different.
Circle K International members have a passion for helping others. We live by our motto “live to serve, love to serve.” Sometimes this love comes from a special connection to a particular event or organization. Because of this, the Governor’s Project will showcase any and all events or organizations that “come from the heart.” The organization that comes from the heart of the Governor is March of Dimes. Therefore, this will be one of the organizations showcased throughout the year.
How can I participate? Submit your favorite project or organization here. Be prepared to explain what it is, how it “comes from the heart,” and how others can get involved. Additionally, please email pictures and any other visual aids to carolinasgovernor.cki@gmail.com Contact your local March of Dimes representative to volunteer at one of their events: • March for Babies • Signature Chefs Gala • Miscellaneous events in your area! Fundraise for March of Dimes.
St Baldrick's Foundation Service by Georgia's Governor, Kylie Wilson
More children die from cancer than any other disease in the world. In fact, a child is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes somewhere in the world. In early 2000, St. Baldrick’s was born! St. Baldrick’s is a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) that raises money for childhood cancer research. There are many NPOs that raise money for cancer research, but this one is a bit different. St. Baldrick’s events are set up across the globe where individuals volunteer to raise money to shave their heads. All the proceeds go to the foundation which in return goes into childhood cancer research. This organization was called St. Baldrick’s because the first event ever held was on a St. Patrick’s Day and people shaved their heads for the cause.
My name is Kylie Wilson, and I am the 2017-2018 Georgia District Governor. In March of this year I went to a St. Baldrick’s event in Marietta, Ga, held by local firefighters. Circle K clubs across Georgia had set up a GoFundMe account for the event and pledged to raise money for the cause, and shave their heads at the event. I signed up as a volunteer, to help keep everything organized at the event, but when I got there I was also talked into shaving my head! Alongside Past Circle K International President, Racheile Ricklefs, and Past Circle K International Vice President, Jessica Davis, we shaved our heads. We raised over $1000 that day just between the three of us. I definitely miss my hair, but I know that it is just hair and it will grow back. We know that the money we raised went to an amazing organization that helps kids who don’t have a choice to be bald. Any donations raised will make a difference as a child somewhere in the world was diagnosed with cancer while you were reading this short article. You can help! If anyone has any questions about St. Baldrick’s or how you can get involved you can visit stbaldricks.org or email me at governor@georgiacirclek.org!
Service Spotlight Want your service to be featured?
Contact: Chelsie Higdon carolinasbulletineditor.cki@gmail.com
Articles submitted by: Sept 1st, 2017
Photo By: Yessica Orzoco, UNCC
Photo By: Meredith Roaten, GWU
UNCP Honored for Service! By: Courtney Boger; UNCP President The University of North Carolina at Pembroke celebrated their first full year of success on April 26 at Pinecrest Country Club in Lumberton, North Carolina. The club spent time reflecting on the past year of service, and the positive impact they plan to continue to make on the community. The most exciting part of this event was being featured in Lumberton’s local newspaper, The Robesonian. Being featured in a highly viewed newspaper for our local area will positively impact not only our recruitment for the upcoming year, but our access to events within the community. One of our goals for the upcoming year was to become more involved with local service opportunities. Through our clubs name becoming better known in news features, we will have better access to the community within Robeson County. For other clubs who wish to be featured in their local newspaper, I would suggest getting your Kiwanis involved. We have a good relationship with one of our Kiwanians Owen, who also works on our campus here at UNCP. Through Owen, we got in touch with the Robeson-Lumberton Kiwanis President, Joseph Martin, who attended our event. Also in attendance was Mary Winfree, the Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Division 26. Having prominent members in the community attend our event made our event more newsworthy. After our event, I typed up what we did at the event, as well as all we accomplished throughout the year. We made sure that our favorite service events and socials were included in the article, so that the community could get a better idea of what we, as Circle Kers, are all about. Owen then sent the article to our local newspaper where it was published for the community to see. Getting involved with your Kiwanis and the local newspaper is a great for recruiting, as well as community outreach. Wishing the best to all of the other Circle K Clubs in the upcoming school year! If you want to know more about UNCP's Circle K Chapter, contact the President, Courtney Boger at csb020@bravemail.uncp.edu
Photo By: Trenton Spigener
Hours Update Service Hours: 343 out of 5,000
Kiwanis Family Relations: 5 out of 50
Leadership If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
DISTRICT CONVENTION By: Kelvin Pineda, First Time Attendee, 2018-2018 Metro Lt. Governor
I’m happy to report that District Convention was a total success this year! It’s hard to summarize the experience and emotion that you get from attending this event. You are surrounded by people from all over the Carolinas District that have passion for service and love for CKI. I truly enjoyed getting to know many o you during our icebreakers, dinner, and the hilarious pie auction.The great thing about District Convention is that we celebrate our achievements that our district, clubs, and members have made over the past year. I hope that you all hold your club and individual awards proud because I know that many of you work hard to improve the lives of those around you without the thought of recognition. This passion and commitment that each one of you places in CKI is what called me to run for a district board position, something that would allow me to serve a purpose greater than myself. While I can’t say it was easy, I encourage all of you to find this calling. CKI is a place of opportunity. Finally, I want to say thank you to all of you for making my first CKI District Convention is an amazing experience. Remember to share your District Convention experience with your clubs and your passion for service and most of all your love for CKI. I can’t wait for another year of service and I hope to see you at CKIx.
DISTRICT CONVENTION CONT. By: Nelson Schacht, Returning Attendee, 2018-2018 District Treasurer
As I get back to Western and I reflect on my second District Convention, I can’t help but smile at the stunningly different experiences I have had at my two District Conventions. At my first District Convention I walked in bright eyed, slightly nervous due to knowing almost no one there. This was not the case at my second convention. As I walked into District Convention this year I was greeted warmly and saw many familiar faces. As I attend more events it becomes even smoother and easier. The 2017 District Convention had many elements I enjoyed. One of them was the Kiwanians luncheon where we recognized the service done by our clubs and Kiwanis family members. I also enjoyed the dinner Saturday night honoring all clubs. The decorations were especially nice and the food was great. I loved dressing up and seeing everyone embrace the 20's theme. I also enjoyed attending House of Delegates on Saturday. I can not wait to see what our 2018 District Convention theme will be and seeing everyone there celebrate another great year.
Awards
FROM DISTRICT CONVENTION
If you want to learn more about applying for awards contact Con-con chair, Sara Mylin at conconchair.cki@gmail.com
Member of the Season
Lenoir-Rhyne University senior, Thinh Truong, has been named a Fulbright Grantee for the 2017-18 academic year. “I am honored and humbled to have received a Fulbright Grant,” Truong said. “As a first generation college student, being selected as a Fulbright Finalist is a great honor for me and my family. I truly feel I am living the American dream and am grateful for this opportunity to pursue my future goals. I appreciate the support of those who have helped me during my college career and most importantly, those who believe in me.” Through the Fulbright Study/Research Grant, Truong will have the extraordinary opportunity to study at the Lappeenranta University of Technology in Finland beginning with summer courses to provide an introduction to the Finnish language, culture, and society. He will embark on a nine-month fellowship to study energy systems following his graduation in May. Thinh is hoping to take advantage of the renewable grant which will afford him the opportunity to complete his master’s degree in energy systems, with a focus on nuclear energy, in Finland.
Currently Truong is pursuing a double major in physics and mathematics. This past summer, he completed a 10-week research program in nuclear physics at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory in Durham. He also traveled to Ireland in May 2016 and to Iceland this past March as part of LR’s Broyhill Business Leadership program. The objectives of both trips are to study business, leadership, sustainability, and innovation of the country and to practice interacting and developing relationships with the people of the country. Having proven himself to be a strong leader, Truong was selected as the SGA president for the 2016-17 academic year. As president, he has strived to represent the entire student body in all of its diversity, bringing passionate and hardworking representatives from different organizations into SGA. Prior to his role as president, Truong served as Commuter Student Representative for SGA. Truong’s leadership skills are also evident through his role as president of the L-R Circle K Club, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Hickory, where he promoted the three tenants: service, fellowship and leadership. He has also served as president of the LR Broyhill Institute for Leadership, captain for the Homecoming Alumni Relations Committee, and as a new student orientation leader. Truong’s academic success has been recognized through membership to four honor societies as well as the Lineberger Fellows program. He finds time to assist other students with their studies, serving as a tutor in the math center and physics laboratory.
2017-2018 Committee Chairs Speak
As Con-Con chair my first responsibility is planning Fall Call Conference to be held on October 20-22 at our new location, Ridge Haven Retreat and Conference Center. I am busy planning the theme, activities and workshops. The new location offers many exciting new activities and we are working to provide members the most useful resources, as well as activities that engage everyone, while being fun at the same time. Sara Mylin Con-Con Chair
As Membership, Development and Education Chair, I am currently working on updating membership and Kiwanis family materials, so our members will have the most updated resources. I am also planning on finishing a Kiwanis Family map that includes all Key Clubs, CKI clubs and Kiwanis Clubs around the district. Cristian Rios MDE Chair
As service chair, my first task is to plan the District Large Scale Service Project. I am working on developing different ideas for the Fall LSSP at the Boys and Girls Homes so that we can interact more with the children living there. I am also preparing monthly service spotlights on organizations to encourage participation with them. George Lin Service Chair
Club Officer Training Conference By: Chad Ledford, CVCC President I joined Circle K International in the later part of 2016 and I loved everything about it! After the Carolinas District Convention in February of 2017, I knew this was a crazy, in a good way, family that I would forever be a part of during and after my college career. Therefore, I was elected 2017-2018 President of Catawba Valley Community College’s (CVCC) CKI club. After taking office on April 1, 2017, we had a ton of changes, goals, and financial decisions to make and we did not know where to start! We tackled some items with the help of our new advisor, Mrs. Braun, but still none of the officers really knew what they needed to do. Thankfully the Carolinas District has a wonderful Club Officer Training Conference. This year it was hosted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) on Saturday, April 22nd. However, they also opened up their homes for anyone who wanted to travel to Charlotte the night before the conference. It is here where the CVCC club and the Lenoir-Rhyne University CKI club got to know each other a lot more! We were able to expand our fellowship and have tons of fun too! We not only leaned that I can chug water and Gatorade back to back without an issue. We found out that we are all competitive, but Abigail and Courtney are the champs at “Spoons.” The conference the next morning was located in the Student Union of UNCC and it was a spectacular layout! COTC was awesome on all levels! We got to meet all the district officers, what their role really included, and how they got involved in CKI from the beginning. We had a great “Find a Friend BINGO” icebreaker that was pretty genius way to get to know everyone and was an excellent tool that I will use in the future! But the main thing that we came to learn was about our individual positions as officers. In the president sector, I learned what our district focus was going to be from the new Governor, Julia Terry; Project Heart! I also learned what worked at other clubs that we haven’t tried yet! It was a great time to throw ideas around along with Julia sharing all the new changes coming down the pike. For example, the dramatic changes to the Club Monthly Report (CMR). Julia also gave us a little more depth of what her position as governor entailed. Often in CKI we forget about the ENTIRE Kiwanis family, but at COTC I was reminded that there are way more than just Key Club, CKI, and Kiwanis. I also learned that we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful, caring, and supportive family of Kiwanians at the Hickory Kiwanis Club. They may not be the youngest Kiwanians, but the sure do invite us with open arms and free food!! I also learned that I was a PARROT in the aspect of my personality and how I can better relate, motivate, and communicate with my team of officers, advisors, and members. The personality mini assessment was a great tool for all the officers too. It was very interesting on learning how to set goals, along with beginning to set them with the other officers. As we all want the best possible outcome for our club, but we have to be realistic at the same time! COTC really gave us time to bond with each other, the district, other clubs, and to have fun outside of our own campus! CKI is about Service, Leadership, and Fellowship!
Fellowship
THIS IS THE POWER OF GATHERING, IT INSPIRES US DELIGHTFULLY, TO BE MORE HOPEFUL, MORE JOYFUL, MORE THOUGHTFUL, IN A WORD MORE ALIVE. ALICE WATERS
Hello Carolinians! Circle K at The George Washington University was so excited to host members of the Carolinas District at our 17th annual fellowship event, Lost in D.C., April 1-2, 2017! The annual event has been able to bring Circle K members from all over, with representation from Maryland, D.C., Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and the Carolinas this year! Celebrating CKI New Year and exploring DC was only half the fun, as teams of four were sent out into the city in a large scale scavenger hunt for fame, glory, and the chance to win a grand prize. From an amazing GWU team that helped put together the event, past and present members, club, district, and international board members the GWU CKI is beyond thankful for an amazing turnout and extends an invite to all CKI members to get "Lost in DC" at next year's event!
GWU HUNT Yours in Service, CKI at The George Washington University
By: Sebastian Vasquez, GWU & Photo By: Meredith Roaten, GWU
Kiwanis Korner By: Jon Hethcox, District Admin
Hey Circle K! As your District Administrator, I’m the face of CKI to Kiwanians in the Carolinas District. I wanted to use this space to provide you with some tips on interacting with Kiwanians, as I get a feeling that some Circle K’ers aren’t comfortable mingling with their sponsoring Kiwanis Clubs.
Here are some helpful tips: 1. Kiwanians are just people! What topic do we all like to discuss? Ourselves of course. Ask Kiwanians about themselves. What do you do for a living? How long have you been a Kiwanian? 2. Don’t assume Kiwanians know about CKI. You should have your CKI “elevator speech” ready to go when asked about CKI. Think about how CKI has made a difference in your life. What’s your favorite service project? 3. Volunteer to help Kiwanis with a project. Having young, ablebodied college students helping on a fundraiser or service project can make a big difference. The old saying “many hands make light work” is true! 4. Ask Kiwanians to help you with your next project. That’s right – it’s a two way street – Kiwanians want to serve and what better way to serve than alongside a Circle K’er! Thank them. Who doesn’t like a pat on the back? Kiwanians are Kiwanians because they are keenly interested in the future of their communities. Without Kiwanis, Key Club, CKI, Aktion Club and the other sponsored programs wouldn’t exist. Make sure you take time to thank Kiwanians for their support of CKI.
Going International "Don't call it a dream, call it a plan." -Zelana Montminy
Sub-region G Trustee
Justin Croofoot
says....
al n o ati & n er ers t n I rtn ities a P ar h C Photo By: Drew Kelley, UWG Every day 1 in 8 babies born in the U.S. arrive too soon. Circle K members help by raising funds annually for March of Dimes programs to help prevent prematurity. The March of Dimes currently focuses on raising awareness of prematurity and reducing the rate of premature births.
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to improve the lives of children—helping children meet their basic needs and expanding their opportunities to reach their full potential. Across the globe, wherever vulnerable children are struggling to survive, UNICEF is there with medicine, vaccines, clean water, nutrition and educational opportunities. The St. Baldrick's Foundation does one thing and they do it well: fund childhood cancer research. They take great care of the funds raised by their generous volunteers and supporters to direct every possible dollar to carefully selected research grants. Whether it’s through their signature head-shaving events, partnerships or advocacy initiatives, their primary focus is to have the greatest impact for kids with cancer around the world.tle bit of body text
Better World Books is an online reseller of used books. Every time you purchase a book from BetterWorldBooks.com, a book is donated to someone in need. Operating as a social enterprise, Better World Books rewards nonprofit partners for books collected through books drives.
Students Team Up To Fight Hunger (STUFH) is a non-profit organization devoted to assisting and inspiring food drives at colleges and universities across the country. The mission of STUFH is to help feed the hungry while at the same time raising awareness among college students about hunger in their local communities.
Miscellaneous. "Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life." -Marc Anthony
Carolinas District of CKI
@carolinas_cki
I pledge to uphold the Objects of Circle K International, to foster compassion and goodwill toward others through service and leadership, to develop my abilities and the abilities of all people, and to dedicate myself to the realization of mankind’s potential!
#carolinas_cki
Subscribe  and Join Today!
District Board & Advisor Contact Info EXECUTIVE BOARD
District Governor Julia Terry carolinasgovernor.cki@gmail.com District Secretary Sydney Salloum carolinassecretaty.cki@gmail.com District Treasurer Nelson Schacht carolinastreasurer.cki@gmail.com District Editor Chelsie Higdon carolinasbulletineditor.cki@gmail.com LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS
Blue Ridge Walter Melgar carolinasblueridgeltg.cki@gmail.com Capital Cameron-Kate McVay carolinascapitalltg.cki@gmail.com Coastal Rachel Hamilton carolinascoastalltg.cki@gmail.com Metro Kelvin Pineda carolinasmetroltg.cki@gmail.com Palmetto Marissa Gross carolinaspalmettoltg.cki@gmail.com Triad Genesis Reyes carolinastraidltg.cki@gmail.com COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Con-Con Chair Sara Mylin carolinasconconchair.cki@gmail.com K-Fam & MDE Chair Cristian Rios carolinasmdechair.cki@gmail.com Service Chair George Lin carolinasservicechair.cki@gmail.com ADMINISTRATORS
District Adminstrator Jon Hethcox jon.hethcox@gmail.com Assistant District Admin Jennifer Hethcox jennifer.hethcox@gmail.com Assistant District Admin Alec Maculay alec.maculay@gmail.com
Live to serve, Love to serve
carolinascki.org