Volume 71, Issue 2
THE JERSEY KEY
Official Publication of the New Jersey District of Key Club International
District Governor Ciara Clarkin
With the new year comes many exciting events and also some bittersweet good byes. For many of you, midterms are quickly approaching and for others college applications are only starting to abate, it's a very stressful portion of the school year. However, I hope you all take this as an opportunity to relieve stress through service and help your fellow peers in taking a chill pill. Key Club has some amazing opportu nities coming up to help you take a break from work, including interdivisional and district-wide volleyball tournaments, District Convention, Regional Training Conferences and during the summer, International Convention. I greatly recommend you take part in these all inclusive events! Plus, at District Convention you may just win more than a few awards and scholarships. Even in this busy time, I implore all of you to not just take a breather but to re flect on how you can better yourself and your community. Think of some new service projects your club hasn’t traditionally done, maybe take a new leadership role or simply join a new club. Despite what others may tell you, school isn’t completely about the grades it's also about the experiences, which is honestly one of the reasons I have fallen so deeply into Key Club International. Do not be afraid of doing some thing new or challenging convention, the world is what you make of it. On that note, I would also like to say that in a few short months, I will no long er be your District Governor. In the case that you cannot attend DCON, I would jus like to say how appreciative I am of all of you and the work you have accomplished. am incredibly proud to say that I have served you all in this position and I cannot wa to see what the newly elected officers will do following elections at DCON.
District Treasurer Courtney Vita Hello Key Clubbers I hope your service year is going great. It is dues season and the deadline for dues has passed, but that doesn't mean you can't pay dues. Get your dues in as soon as possible so your club won't be at risk for suspension. I am always hear to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to contact me. Enjoy the holiday season.
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From the District District Editor Hayley Beluch Hello everyone! Thank you all for taking the time to read the second edition of The Jersey Key from this service year. Throughout these pages, you’ll find descriptions of club fundraisers to quotes by members who describe what Key Club means to them.
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District Secretary Abi Santos Happy New Year! As the end of the service year is coming closer, there are a few important things to remember. First off, the Annual Achievement Report Form (AARF). This is a report form that basically compiles all of the service that you have done this year so far. This is absolutely mandatory for every club, and without it, your club cannot participate at contests at DCON. So to avoid that, you can start looking at your past CMRFs and start filling out the form! Secretaries, please continue to fill out the CMRFs so that this form is very easy to fill out. And if any of you need any of your responses back, just email me and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible! Next, DCON is coming up soon! Don’t forget to publicize this with your clubs, register for the event, join a lot of contests and more! If you have any questions about anything, I’ll be happy to answer!
District Administrator Kaitlin McCann
For those of us who have watched “The Butterfly Effect”, “Don play out in the actor or actresses lives as well as the consequences one small act can truly change where you are and what you are do
For me, attending TCNJ allowed me to join a strong Circle K Clu met the International President at the time, Alec, who had been a ca. It sounded like exactly what I wanted to be part of- teaching the following year, I applied and was accepted. After graduation, work at the school I was placed at, but I now serve as the Princip
I tell you this story, because while all of this was happening, it wa nities would link together to completely change the way my life h portunities, interacting with people and making connections, wou
So, this is my hope and challenge for you in the New Year. Atten an event (DCON is one possibility or Key Leader or a service trip mer program.) Run for that position. Apply to that school or pr service project even though you are tired. Talk to that person at t maybe they will have held a position you have only dreamed of h ans- maybe they will need an intern in their law office in a few yea time you are willing to leave your comfort zone and become part is an opportunity for growth and learning. These opportunities w become and what you do in your life. Key Clubbers are truly ama ambitious, you are strong willed, you stand up for what you believ lives with your service and compassion each and every day. Don’t these attributes to capitalize on all of the opportunities that are af are lucky they will change your life.
nnie Darko” or even “A Christmas Carol”, we have seen choices s for making certain choices. Sometimes, we take for granted how oing.
ub. I got involved and became the Circle K Governor of NJ. I accepted into a program after graduation called Teach for Ameriin an inner city school where I could really make a difference. So, , I did Teach for America. This was 10 years ago and I continue to pal.
as just life. I could not predict the way these choices and opportuhas turned out, in a great way. However, I did know that taking opuld afford me more opportunities than the alternative.
nd a club meeting or p or a college sumrogram. Go to that the retirement homeholding. Meet Kiwaniars. Each and every of something new, it will shape who you azing people- you are ve in. You change t be afraid to use fforded you- if you
On September 15, the Livingston High School Key Club had a hurricane relief fundraiser. With administrators and teachers, students participated in a parade around the school for Harvey victims.
Livingston High School
Club Spotlights Millburn High School On Saturday September 16th, Key Club members participated in the Hurricane Harvey Relief Canning Event. Members collected at grocery stores as well as while walking around downtown Millburn. At these locations, the HOPE t-shirts were also sold in order to raise money. Thank you to all Key Clubbers who came to help us raise over $2,500.
Brick Memorial High School
Brick Memorial Key Club raised $375 for hurricane relief at one of their football games. The money went to the Kiwanis Texas Oklahoma District Foundation and Project 88.
Brick Memorial High School
As the Thanksgiving Season rolled around, the Brick Memorial Key Club was once again giving back to the community. The Key Club’s annual “Gobble Gallop” WalkA-Thon was the grand finale to the club’s “War on Hunger” week in which they ran several projects to support the New Jersey Key Club District Project. This year’s focus is Hunger in New Jersey. Key Clubs all over the state are helping to raise funds, increase awareness, and collect food for the growing hunger problem. There are 1 in 8 people who go hungry across the state each day and the BMHS Key Club is taking steps to help address this issue. Earlier in the week the Key Club hosted an Advocacy Assembly for its members and heard more about hunger in NJ from representatives from the JBJ Soul Kitchen and FulFill. Club members also collected donations at a recent Mustang football game. The Walk-A-Thon was the club’s main event to reach their goal of raising $1,105 for War on Hunger Week. This year seventy-five Key Clubbers attended the annual project and the club collected $1,780 in walk donations. The “War on Hunger” week raised $2,150 for the Foodbanks of New Jersey. The BMHS will continue to raise awareness and funds towards their $6325 goal.
Point Pleasant Beach High School
Point Pleasant Beach High School Key Club has accomplished and attended many events. They have raised money for Hurricane Harvey, collected canned foods, play dough, cat food cans and many more. On October 29 , 2017, their act of service has once again helped an event. They served for the Bay Head Elementary School Halloween Parade. This event was an exciting, fun, and festive event held at the Bay Head Firehouse. Key Club Members that attended helped to set up the tables and/or decorations, to register the children participating in the parade, and to lead the kids around the parade. There were a lot of delicious snacks and desserts provided for the volunteers. th
By Julia DeSocio Vice President
Southern Regional How do we know Christmas is almost here on Long Beach Island? The annual Ship Bottom Christmas Parade of course. Every year, at the invitation of our Kiwanis of LBI, Southern Regional Key Club helps decorates numerous boats, and marches side by side our Kiwanians, to show the town our spirit for service. This year, our organizations were fortunate to receive two “loaner boats� from Marinemax, that we were able to decorate, and fill with members, all at no cost. In the weeks leading up to the parade, we met to plan all of our decorations, and how we would show the parade route our Christmas spirit. This consisted of: giant lightbulbs, lots of garland, banners, and an army of Santa hats. We want to thank everyone who was a part of our planning process, the members that showed up to help very early, and our Kiwanis, for not only providing us with awesome snacks, but for an amazing partnership in service that last year round! Chris Melillo President
Central Regional The Central Regional Key Club went to one of their first community service projects this October. They have a close relationship to the Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School in Seaside Heights and are happy to have been visiting and helping the teachers and children for the past three years. In October members helped the children pick their books at the book fair and do a getting to know you activity. We started to get to know the students because we will be back there for many more trips this year. Will Krenza Central Regional President
The Caldwell Street Fair is an annual event that goes on every year on the first Sunday of October. There are rides, food, merchandise, and live music all to delight people passing throughout the day. It is a great time for family and friends to enjoy themselves and help support the community! There are stands set up throughout Bloomfield Avenue that sell food and merchandise as well as stands for school clubs and other causes. Every year the James Caldwell High School Key Club sets up a stand and invites their members to help out the community. Members of the club volunteer at the fair in many different ways. Volunteers can help sell baked goods at the stand, make pins to sell for donations, and just helping out throughout the fair. They will go and try to find any stands that need help with their set up or moving things. Key Club members get to help people in their community and have an awesome day with friends in the process. Emma Krupp and Bella Riggs
James Caldwell HS
Livingston HS Livingston Key Club held its annual Black Friday Fundraiser, or BFF, on November 24th. This is one of our Key Club’s largest events with over a hundred volunteers at 10 locations. Key Clubbers were stationed throughout Livingston and surrounding towns with signs and shoe boxes. Local people were extremely charitable and many donated to help end hunger in New Jersey. With the help of our Key Clubbers, we were able to raise a whopping total which will be donated to the Community Food Bank of the NJ Federation of Food Banks, and in total we volunteered over 200 service hours. Our club is extremely proud to have been able to make such a generous donation to help end hunger in New Jersey. We intend to continue this annual fundraiser for years to come! Sarah Horowitz
Phillipsburg High School When Thanksgiving rolls around, people celebrate with their families and rejoice over what they have: turkey, stuffing, and biscuits. But what about the homeless and those who are constantly struggle to make ends meet? The shocking statistic is that one out of every five people in New Jersey struggle with hunger. This year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Phillipsburg High School Key Clubbers helped to lower this number, and make it special for these people in need. In the early morning, Key Clubbers helped to slice about ten large turkeys, cook pots of mashed potatoes and green beans, make stuffing, and donate numerous pies. This year the outcome was just as rewarding. By ten o’clock, Key clubbers madly packed over 100 meals to deliver to people who needed it. By eleven o’clock, the Thanksgiving food was ready to be served to those who arrived at the soup kitchen. More Key Clubbers arrived to act as waiters and began to serve the people. By one o’clock, less volumes start coming in, but by the end about 200 people have been fed in New Jersey. People do not usually think about the impact they make when volunteering, but all the time, the small things they do contribute to something much larger than themselves. It is the power of service, something that Key Clubbers around the world have come to realize. Kayla Valle, President
Egg Harbor Township High School This year our masquerade-themed Induction Dinner was held on November 17. We were lucky to have many special guests attend, such as our principal, Dr. Charlton, Taylor McKay (Stockton University’s Circle K President), and Mr. Guenther (Kiwanis Zone Administrator). Dinner was served by Golden Corral, which was amazing as always. Special performances by our very own members were unforgettable!! New members were inducted by our officers and received numerous Key Club membership items. Lastly was the raffle auction to dance with officers and committee chairs, which was memorable to say the least. Members were also free to take photos in front of a beautiful backdrop throughout the night. We hope that everyone who attended enjoyed and made many special memories. Our club gave a huge round of applause to our Special Events Committee for putting so much time and effort into organizing this event. Kasey Lampayan Editor
Roxbury High School Roxbury High School will host its 5th Annual mini-THON to conquer childhood cancer by partnering with Four Diamonds. Last year, Roxbury nearly tripled its success from the previous year by having over 400 participants and raising $52,237.82. This years goal is $75,000. In the U.S., more children die from cancer than any other disease, with 16,000 kids diagnosed every year. We are working to change this by partnering with Four Diamonds to conquer childhood cancer through world-class care, transformative philanthropy, and life-saving research. Roxbury High School's Key Club and Mini-THON fight to conquer childhood cancer. One goal, one dream, one reaction; end childhood cancer.
On November 8th, the Morris County School of Technology had a volleyball tournament in the MCST gym as part of the effort for the District Project, Hunger in NJ. Each participant in the tournament paid an entry fee of at least one or two food cans. MCST was able to collect 161 pounds of food for the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morristown, NJ. The tournament was a big success, with 96 participants in total. It was a fun experience for all, and a great benefit for the Hunger in NJ Project.
Morris County School of Tech
1 disease, 80 Key Clubbers, and 1,000 pretzels. For the past three years, the Voorhees High School Key Club has made, packaged, and sold chocolate covered pretzels to raise money and awareness for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. This year, the club raised $1,430.57 by selling pretzels during the week of October 16-20th. I started the fundraiser my sophomore year knowing that I would need a lot of help from Key Club一 and we were up for the challenge! Members dip the pretzels, sprinkle them, package them, label them with PD facts, tie a bow on the end of the bag, and sell them throughout the week. For the first time this year, ShopRite donated over 1,000 pretzels and sprinkles. The Voorhees Key Club’s goal is to not only to raise money, but to also teach their community about what the disease is. There is a Parkinson’s fact on each individual pretzel and on Wednesday the 18th the club asked everyone at Voorhees to wear orange to support Parkinson’s awareness. Over the past three years, the Voorhees High School Key Club has raised over $3,000 with our yearly Pretzels for Parkinson’s week long bake sales. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Michael J. Fox once said “When a cure for Parkinson’s is found一 and it will be一 it will be because of all of us, working together.” Go #teamfox !!! Brielle Barozzini, President
Voorhees High School
Check out the cover to see Brielle with some of the pretzels!
Chloe Brenna Chloe Brenna is the president of Point Pleasant Beach High School’s Key Club. She is one of the most dedicated and talented person, who is not afraid to lead her peers. She is currently a sophomore at her high school with tons of potential ahead of her. Currently, she is also part of her school’s service club such as Interact Club and Habitat for Humanity. She is very involved in the Drama Club, Food and Fashion Club, Book Club and plays with a Jazz Band and her school’s band. She works at Mueller’s Bakery in Bay Head, New Jersey, and likes her job. She does not like being stressed. However, Key Club is an exception. What she likes about Key Club is that she has a great board in school. who is willing to share all their workload. Key Club has helped Chloe become a more approachable person and student. “Kids aren’t afraid to come up to me and ask questions in the hallway.”
Chris Melillo Chris is the president of Southern Regional High School Key Club. Q: What are your interests outside of Key Club? A: I really enjoy the outdoors. I go camping, hiking, and I go to the beach often. I am a Boy Scout as well. I like to hang out with my friends. I also enjoy doing volunteer work outside of Key Club! Q: What is your favorite part of Key Club? A: My favorite part about Key Club is the opportunity to meet new people, have a good time, and help others along the way!
Officer Spotlights Molly
Stockwell
Molly Stockwell is the Vice President at the Key Club from North Hunterdon High School. Currently a senior, she has been in Key Club since freshman year and loves the opportunity Key Club gives her to practice her leadership and communication skills as well as the opportunity to serve her home, school, and community. Molly says that the best part about her position is that she loves to get members involved during meetings and service projects. She loves to inspire others to serve and help them find the leader inside themselves. “It feels nice to give back,� she says. When volunteering, she explains that her favorite thing is to help those that are less fortunate because even just one person can make a difference. Other than Key Club, Molly is a member of her school’s Varsity Gymnastics team, part of the National Art Honors Society, and works at a local gymnastics gym and restaurant. When she graduates, she hopes to go to the University of Pittsburgh to study pharmacy and plans to join Circle K to continue her lifestyle of service. She encourages others to join Key Club and works very hard in her position so that she can benefit the wellbeing of others.
Orli Forster What is your favorite thing about Key Club? Key Club has made me fall in love with community service and volunteering. Ever since my first meeting back in freshman year of high school, I was hooked. Soon, I began to participate in weekly events, bake sales, The Eliminate Project, UNICEF collections, and more. I loved volunteering so much that I decided to run for Secretary. 2 years later, I am now in my 2nd term as President of the Millburn High School Key Club. Not only has Key Club given me an immense passion for service, but it has also allowed me to make new friendships and bonds with others, in MHS and in the community. I have meet several friends and peers through Key Club and I love spending time with them and sharing our love for volunteering with each other. Finally, Key Club has inspired me to spread this passion to the next generation of Key Clubbers, so hopefully they will find volunteering just as fun and rewarding as I do. What are some of the greatest challenges you’ve faced as president? As President, one of the the greatest challenges that I have faced is membership decline. Membership was waning and we badly needed more members. This is when I got together with the board and made a game plan. Food at meetings. Introducing mini service projects. Online sign ups. Increasing our social media presence. All of this seemed to work. These new additions and changes to the club were inspired by tips and tools that I learned from Key Club RTCs and from listening to other officers of nearby Key Club’s at DCMs. The other greatest challenge I faced was organizing the first-ever MHS Key Club Color Run. Not only was this a new event for MHS Key Club, but it was also a new event for Millburn High School. I had never run an event like this before so a lot of planning was involved. Getting sponsors, advertising, sending emails, posting on social media, organizing the details for the day of the event, and much more. In the end, we overcame these challenges and put on an amazing, fun event, raising over $4,000 toward Leukemia and Lymphoma Treatments, the Community Foodbank of NJ, and the Thirst Project. What are some of your interests outside of Key Club? Outside of Key Club, I love playing soccer. I have been playing soccer since I was 5 years old and competitively since I was 11. I have also played on the Millburn Varsity team since sophomore year and have really enjoyed being a part of that program. I am also interested in fashion, which is why I am a Nordstrom Fashion Ambassador at the Short Hills Nordstrom. In the summer, I love spending time at sleepaway camp, URJ Camp Harlam, where I have been attending for the past 7 summers. This summer, I am hoping to be a staff member for the first time.
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loe Bugat
Chloe Bugat is currently the President of the Montclair High School Key Club in Division 19. he was elected Secretary for the last service year s a freshman. I have now worked with Chloe for bout a year so far and it is always a pleasure to work with her. It is always easy to schedule meetngs or ask for updates about events and meetngs, and she is extremely dedicated to improving er school’s Key Club and spreading volunteersm throughout her community. This year, Chloe is leading an amazing officer eam and an impressive club with about 180 members. Her hobbies (other than Key Club) inlude listening to music and watching movies. he loves to read and she is very much into vinage fashion and old movies. Chloe’s favorite hings about Key Club are doing outreach with eople in the community (she especially loves mailing PTA moms) and connecting with club members. In addition, she likes to volunteer and he volunteers often, especially at local events.
Eliana Koenigsberg Position/school/grade? I am the president of the Key Club at Randolph High School, and I am in 11th grade. What is your favorite part of Key Club? My favorite part of Key Club is being part of a huge organization committed to helping others. It is incredible to see all of Kiwanis' achievements and know that I am a part of such a great organization. It feels good to help the members of my school become a part of this as well. What is your favorite service project? My favorite service project has to be helping with Franki's Fund. Through this organization, my club assists adults with special needs in doing art projects. Franki's Fund has also provided my club with many different opportunities; for example, we have helped with events such as picnics and bowling nights. I love talking to these amazing adults, seeing their perspectives on life, and hearing their stories. I have only had positive experiences with this organization! Why are you so passionate about service? I am so passionate about service because so many people are less fortunate than I am, and I love providing others with opportunities they may not have had access to otherwise. I look up to people who commit themselves to making the world a more peaceful place to live in, and that is what I would like to do with my time. It is a wonderful feeling to help another, and it provides me with gratitude and a great perspective on my life. One thing people don’t know about you? One thing people do not know about me is that I am a total history buff. I enjoy looking at how the media can influence history, and it has lead me to believe that one film, article, song, etc. can alter perspectives of people around the world which fascinates me. What made you join Key Club? I honestly joined Key Club freshman year because my friends had told me that it would look great on a college resume. After the first meeting, I realized it was much more than a resume builder, and I decided to make Key Club a big part of my life. I feel in love with doing service, and Key Club helped me discover my passion for leading others to commit themselves to service and making the world a better place. What other clubs/sports are you involved with? I am very involved with the music program at my school. I am in the select choir, and I am the public relations officer for my choir council. I also edit the feature articles for my school newspaper, participate in all of the school shows through drama club, and dance with a competition team.
Key Club has given me so many amazing opportunities to better not only my community but myself as a person as well. Abbie Chan, MATES VP
Key Club is assisting those in surrounding communities, leaving a small or big impact in society. Hoa Huynh, Manasquan Treasurer
Key Club is more than just a club; Key Club is the representation of people coming together to help a cause bigger than ourselves. Morgan Middleburg, Delaware Valley Treasurer Key Club is a club which benefits the community as well as all the students who participate by shaping them into astounding members of society. Amadeous, ACIT
Key Club is an amazing organization that really reaches out to the community and gives back to those who need it. Nayeli Alvarado, Dover Treasurer Key Club is a place where high schoolers can get together to help their communities. Robert Novak, Chatham VP