Key Club Building character through service and leadership
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ince its beginning in 1925, Key Club International has supported the transformation of high school students as they graduate and become the world's next class of leaders. Key Club is a student-led service organization that has chapters all over the world. An extension of the Kiwanis organization, the core values of Key Club are leadership, character building, caring, and inclusiveness. The GHS Key Club has been serving the community since 2011. There are currently around 40 active members and the club continues to grow each year. Key Club teaches the importance of taking a leadership role within the community and helping the community be the best it can be. “There are actually Gainesville Kiwanis members who were in Key Club when they attended GHS. I think that in itself speaks volumes,” said Leslie Nichols, Kiwanis Club member. “The benefits of being a part of something bigger than themselves shows the students that paying it forward in a small or large way can make a huge difference.” The Key Club sponsor, Natalie Dollar, works diligently with the Gainesville Kiwanis Club to help grow these young leaders and
ensure they are actively involved in a variety of service events in the community. “I enjoy being in Key Club because it allows me to serve my hometown. For me, service is helping in any way you can to give back to your community,” said Sophomore Key Club member Johany Marin. Most recently, the Key Club held a car wash fundraiser for Abigail’s Arms, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. After multiple rescheduled events because of rain, they finally kept to their plan and held the fundraiser in the pouring rain and were still able to raise $600. Moved by their actions, the Kiwanis Club matched their efforts and donated an additional $400 to Abigail’s Arms. Additional service projects include delivering meals once a month through the DASH program, supervising the kids area during Spring Fling, and providing extra hands at Depot Day. To be a Key Club member, all you have to do is show up! Anybody can be a member of Key Club; there are no academic requirements, you don’t have to be the “best” student to be a good servant. We ask that members participate in a minimum of three activities and three meetings each year. Winter 2021 • Gainesville SPOT SPOTlight light •
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