VOLUME 65 | ISSUE 1
SEPTEMBER 2011
The Jersey Key What You Missed in Phoenix International Board elections, awards, the Grand Canyon—an inspiring experience that will be more than just a summer memory
District Convention Eliminate moves from Valley Forge Our new district project:
Tenafly’s Jared Greene elected International Trustee HOW TO MAINTAIN A HUGE CLUB
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Fall Rally 2011 Sunday, October 9 Registration packets will be sent in the Back-to-School Mailing to your president and club advisor.
Early Bird Registration: September 30 2
THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
The Jersey Key Volume 65, Issue 1 | September 2011
district Our new goals for helping Children’s Specialized Hospital 4 2010-2011 District Project outcome 4
The tomato—the New Jersey district’s official mascot 10 Meet the district board 12 international
International Convention recap 14 Three NJ District officers teach workshops at ICON 14 NJ takes home multiple awards 14
k-family Rowan Circle K hosts annual K-Family Picnic 18 Immediate Past NJ Circle K District Governor Rob Acerra is elected International Rep. to Subregion F of CKI 18
Build K-Family relationships with these ideas for interacting with your local clubs 18
Messages from NJ K-Family leaders 19
New fundraising focus: The Eliminate Project 5
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How Warren Hills has used the Youth Opportunities Fund 21 Wall High School collects clothes for tornado victims in the South 21 leadership How to maintain a huge club 22 Test-taking tips 22
EVENTS Learn
more about the district’s goals for this year at Fall Rally 6 Promote your club with the help of The Public Relations Handbook 6 New Advocacy Focuses 7 Divisional restructuring 7 CIRQUE DU SERVICE
DCON 2011 recap 8 EVENTS Fall
Regional Training Conferences 9 Why your club pays dues 9 EVENTS
District Convention moves 10
Tenafly’s Jared Green elected International Trustee 14 Do you know Key Club’s Service Partners? 16
Major Emphasis Program changes to Major Emphasis 16 Meet Nick DePorzio, our new International Trustee 17
Div. 12 Key Clubs work with Kiwanis to help America’s Grow a Row 20 Manasquan helps at community Fireman’s Fair 20 Brick Memorial organizes Survivor’s Luncheon at local Relay for Life 20
Why you need to go to Key Leader 23 Use these strategies to attract more members 23 Advice for working with your dedicated advisors 23
This November, what is your club doing for Key Club Week? 21
The Jersey Key is the official publication of the New Jersey District of Key Club International. Each service year, three issues are released. In 2010 at the 64th New Jersey District Convention, the House of Delegates voted that only one issue of The Jersey Key will be printed each year. The District Bulletin Editor is responsible for creating The Jersey Key and is elected into office at District Convention. To submit articles to The Jersey Key, email the District Bulletin Editor at editor@njkeyclub.org. THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
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Continuing our greatness HEY THERE NEW JERSEY DISTRICT! MY NAME
is Nicole Darrah, and I’m serving as your 2011-2012 District Governor. I’d like to welcome you to another year of caring, fun, and service. As many of you may be aware, our District Project has changed a bit from previous years. This year, the New Jersey District’s fundraising aspect of our project will be the Eliminate Project. We are no longer fundraising for CSH, but our hearts are still with them. CSH is always welcoming Key Club volunteers to participate in recreational therapy visits and to donate new toys. Schedule a few days throughout the year for your members to interact with the patients at CSH. The New Jersey District is widely known in Key Club. It’s not because of our stereotypical fist pumping, or our extreme-hold hair gel, but because of our outstanding fundraising efforts, and our service to our homes, schools, and communities. I find it easy to say that New Jersey is definitely one of the mightiest districts within all of Key Club International. Each and every Key Clubber within New Jersey is beyond magnificent. I know each of you, from club president to general member, has changed your community through service in some way or another, and I ask that you keep up the absolutely incredible work that’s been shown in the past throughout this service year. I look forward to seeing you all at Regional Training Conferences, and our much anticipated Fall Rally! Yours in caring, service, and friendship, Nicole Darrah GOVERNOR NEW JERSEY DISTRICT KEY CLUB INTERNATIONAL
New goals for helping Children’s Specialized Hospital BY REVATHI MEKALA, LT. GOV. DIV. 10 THIS YEAR, THE SERVICE ASPECT OF OUR
district project will go toward helping the Children’s Specialized Hospital. Key Clubbers will continue to participate in recreational therapy where we interact with patients, doing things like playing video games or simply talking to them. During the week of November 13-19, all the Key Clubs in New Jersey will dedicate
their services to the hospital with fundraisers, book drives, etc. to even further help the children. Our goal this year is to reach 15,600 service hours as a whole. If we all do our part and volunteer at least 100 hours per club, we will easily reach this goal. Revathi is a co-chair of the 2011-2012 District Project Steering Committee. Email her at ltgdiv10@njkeyclub.org.
2010-2011 District Project goals surpassed After clubs gave their final checks and participated at the CSH walk at District Convention, we exceeded our fundraising goal of $85,401.65. We also surpassed our service goal of 15,700 hours by over 1,000 hours to a total of 16,162 hours Congratulations, Key Clubbers! Make sure to keep up these standards for the Eliminate Project this year! —2010-2011 DISTRICT PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR AMI SHAH ltgdiv3a@njkeyclub.org
Don’t be in the dark Get district updates and leadership tips from our 4 new social media connections
OUR NEW FACEBOOK PAGE
New Jersey District of Key Club International
OUR NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL
youtube.com/njkeyclub THE JERSEY KEY
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
@njkeyclub September 2011
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Find more pictures and other informational resources to educate your club at theeliminateproject.org.
New fundraising focus: The Eliminate Project BY NICOLE VENTRONE, LT. GOV. DIV. 8
This year, our district will work to raise $79,180.38 to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus.
F
OR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, KEY
Club has been dedicated to Children’s Specialized Hospital. For this service year, though, the New Jersey District has decided to dedicate ourselves to two equally deserving causes—Children’s Specialized Hospital and the Eliminate Project. All service hours completed by clubs for the District Project will benefit CSH, while all fundraising efforts held by clubs will be donated to the Eliminate Project. The Eliminate Project is focused on eliminating the world of maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT). Tetanus spores found in soil cause MNT. During childbirth, the spores come in contact with open cuts, and MNT is contracted. Tetanus affects more than 66,000 newborns and a substantial portion of mothers each year, a fact that is astonTHE JERSEY KEY
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ishing considering there is a tetanus vaccine. With just three doses of a $0.60 vaccine, mothers can give birth to children already protected from tetanus. Kiwanis and UNICEF have partnered to raise $110 million by 2015 for this fund. This will help immunize 129 million mothers and their future children, thus reducing the number of MNT cases to just 1 in 1000 births. As our contribution, the New Jersey District aims to raise $79,180.38. Funds raised from Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF this year will no longer go to Project Uruguay, but to the Eliminate Project. Eliminate Hands fundraisers, dance-a-thons, and fundraisers previously dedicated to CSH with will contribute to reaching our goal.
$79,180.38 week 7 Daysweper dedicate
to the project
180
$1.80 is the cost of the vaccination.
9 Every nine minutes, another child dies to MNT.
number of countries 38 The that MNT still affects
Nicole is a co-chair of the 2011-2012 District Project Steering Committee. Email her at ltgdiv8@njkeyclub.org. 5
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Want the official Fall Rally logo to use on your club website and newsletter? Ask your lieutenant governor for the file!
Promote your club with the help of The Public Relations Handbook BY AUDREY LEE, LT. GOV. DIV. 20 TO ENCOURAGE MORE CLUBS
to use their local press to promote themselves, the district’s Public Relations Committee is creating The Public Relations Handbook. The handbook will serve as a resource for club officers and will be sent through their lieutenant governors by midNovember. To assess each club’s needs, lieutenant governors sent out a survey last June to all club officers to figure out which articles to include. The handbook will include helpful tips on many topics like how to publicize events through local newspapers, how to set up a free mass texting service to alert members of club news, and more. Audrey is a co-chair of the 2011-2012 Public Relations Committee. Email her at ltgdiv20@njkeyclub.org. 6
Nutley High School Key Club members make their presence known through their cheers and their club t-shirts.
Learn more about the district’s goals for this year at Fall Rally BY DIANA HIRST, LT. GOV. DIV. 16
Early bird registration: $33 received by Sept. 30 Late registration at Fall Rally: $38 Season pass holders: $6
Plan now to secure transportation and to meet the early registration deadline on September 30.
FOR FALL RALLY, KEY CLUBBERS
all over Jersey meet up at Six Flags Great Adventure for an afternoon to get excited for the service year ahead of them. On October 9, join the New Jersey District as we Swing into the Jungle of Service. The day
Have your club donate new school supplies at Fall Rally for the Community Food Bank’s Tools 4 Schools program. At last year’s Fall Rally, the district sung the New Jersey District song.
begins with a short information session, after which you can spend the rest of the day in the park during Fright Fest. Start planning now. Talk with your club advisor and officers to figure out some important details such as school bus transportation and registration fee collection. Send as many members as you can to involve them more in your club. Detailed registration information will be mailed to your advisor and club president in the Back-to-School Mailing. Diana is Fall Rally Programs chairperson. Email her at ltgdiv16@njkeyclub.org.
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district Invisible Children and Autism New Jersey Advocate these causes this service year BY NIDHI GURJAR LT. GOV. DIV. 13
THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT ADVO-
cacy Focuses are Invisible Children and Autism New Jersey. Advocacy means speaking on behalf of those who can’t speak for themselves. This year, elp child soldiers in Africa and families of children with autism by raising awareness about their lives. Have members research on the facts of the two organizations and present them to the club. Speak on school television announcements about the causes. Brainstorm more ideas with your club! Nidhi is a co-chair of the 2011-2012 District Programs Committee. Email her at ltgdiv13@njkeyclub.org.
Invisible Children works to eradicate the abductions and the forcing of children to fight in wars in Uganda and the Congo. You can involve your club more by contacting Invisible Children requesting a visit from a guest speaker. You can also purchase the movie Invisible Children: Rough Cut and hold a showing to raise awareness. Visit invisiblechildren.com for more info.
Sweeten
Autism New Jersey is the largest network of parents and professionals who work to improve the lives of children with autism. It dedicates itself to ensuring that all people with autism obtain the service to maximize their growth potential and to enhance the general public’s knowledge of autism. Visit autismnj.org for more info.
the world
with service Insightful workshops and important information about the district’s causes and goals for this service year— the event for officers who want to make this the sweetest service year ever
District adds new division Division 3 splits into 3A and 3B, and other clubs move divisions
FALL REGIONAL TRAINING CONFERENCES
BY RAVI CHAUHAN, LT. GOV. DIV. 3B THIS YEAR, A FEW DIVISIONS IN THE NEW JERSEY DISTRICT WERE
North RTC Sat., Sept. 17, 9am-1pm Montville High School
restructured. Division 3 was split into two separate Divisions—3A and 3B. This led to changes in the clubs from Divisions 3 and 4. From Division 3, Clearview, Gateway, GCIT, Pitman, Paulsboro, West Deptford, and Woodbury all moved to Division 3A. Cherry Hill East, Eastern, Triton moved to Division 3B. Also, from Division 3B obtained Burlington City, Burlington Township, BCIT, and Rancocas Valley Regional from Division 4. From Division 10, Piscataway was moved to Division 11. Glen Ridge from Division 17 was moved to Division 18. Finally, from Division 20, Morristown was moved to Division 19.
South RTC Sun., Sept. 18, 9am-1pm West Deptford High School Central RTC Sat., Sept. 24, 9am-1pm Piscataway High School 7
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Talent show finalist Amanda Pell from MAST performs “Lean on Me.”
Over 586 Key Clubbers and Kiwanis guests attended this year’s District Convention.
Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation Community Relations Director Beth Anne Myarick accepts the district’s donation from the past service year.
Cirque du Service Hundreds of Key Clubbers come together for District Convention BY AMANDA LUTICK, LT. GOV. DIV. 7
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HIS PAST SERVICE YEAR, THE NEW JERSEY District of Key Club held its
65th annual District Convention from April 8 through the 10 at the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The weekend-long event themed Cirque du Service: Ride the Carousel of Service gathered 586 Key Clubbers from all over New Jersey to celebrate the end of an incredible service year and the start to that of a new one. Over the course of the weekend, Key Clubbers were entertained with workshops, dances, and contests. Keynote speaker Steve Meade, a hypnotist, opened the weekend with an engaging show. At the three sessions of workshops, Key Clubbers learned more about the organization and also about how to improve their clubs. There were workshops about the Eliminate Project and on club officer duties. There were also fun workshops like the Clowning workshop. Aside from workshops, there was a talent show, plenty of opportunities to visit the King of Prussia Mall, as well as the impromptu 8
essay and oratorical contests. num level of both the Achievement and SinKrishna Patel from J.P. Stevens won the gle Service Awards, J.P. Stevens won for Club Bulletin, and Egg Harbor Township placed first in the category of Traditional Scrapbook. One of the most significant parts of DCON was the electing of the New Jersey District Executive Board—the positions of Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, and Bulletin Editor. This year, there were 11 candidates running for executive positions, the most in years. The candidates spoke in multiple caucus rooms Friday night before speaking in front of all the Key Clubbers together Saturday morning. Later that afternoon, two delegates OPENING SESSION Hypnotist Steve Meade entertained Key Clubbers on Friday night. from each club voted for the district’s new executive board. impromptu essay contest, and Dhaval Mehta, The last day of DCON started with a walk also from J.P. Stevens, took first place in the for Children’s Specialized Hospital. During oratorical essay contest. the closing session, the winners of the execuWhile workshops and dances were wonder- tive board elections were announced, the new ful, the awards presentations really stroke a district board installed, and everyone returnsense of camaraderie. ing home with a new energy for the service Bloomfield achieved first place in the plati- year.
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$$$$
Improve your leadership at Fall Regional Training Conferences
Pay membership dues by November 1 $17.50 $6.50 International $5.50 District $5.50 Highest extra clubs can charge
BY JIAYUN FANG, DISTRICT SECRETARY
YOU MIGHT THINK YOU KNOW IT ALL. BY
now, if you are an officer, you have been trained by your LTG, gotten advice from past officers, and attended officer meetings already. But what about your goals? To truly lead and improve your club, you are going to need new perspectives. And attending Regional Training Conferences is the perfect way to gain new perspectives! RTCs differ from any previous training by integrating members of many different clubs together. The Fundraising workIn turn, they shop is my go-to place have the op- because the ideas are portunity to different every time. To share ideas, me, RTCs are like a supermarket for mistakes, and events and ideas that gain much are going on in other more knowlKey Clubs. edge. CHRISTINA XIAO, TENAFLY TREASURER This year, the theme is Sweeten the World with Service because, after all, that’s what we Key Clubbers do. Everything from admission to meals (breakfast and lunch) is free of charge. Officers, come learn from your counterparts on the district board and attend more than 15 workshops on our wonderful organization! Jiayun is Regional Training Conferences chairperson. Email her at secretary@njkeyclub.org. THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
North RTC Sat., Sept. 17 Montville High School South RTC Sun., Sept. 18 West Deptford High School Central RTC Sat., Sept. 24 Piscataway High School
Insightful workshops President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, Webmaster Key Club 411 Fundraising Meaningful Meetings Club PR/Multimedia Club Building/ Recruitment Public Speaking District Project Major Emphasis/ Partners of Service K-Family Relations Advocacy Key Club Events DCON Contests
Dues are important on the club level for funding projects such as ice cream socials, movie nights, or community gardens. On the district level, they’re even more important as they allow the district to run board meetings, charity events, and large-scale occasions such as District Convention. They also provide for student scholarships and printed materials, such as The Jersey Key. On the international level, dues go into travel expenses and administrative costs. —DISTRICT TREASURER KIMBERLY LU treasurer@njkeyclub.org
How to Pay Dues Complete all these steps by December 1. If you do by November 1, your club earns the Early Bird Dues Award.
1
Collect dues from members. Tell them to drop their payments at your advisor’s classroom, and make them a requirement for anyone interested in going to Fall Rally.
2
The advisor or club treasurer should visit keyclub.org and find the Membership Update Center. Update the online roster of every active member. Print the club’s invoice when done.
3
Mail the invoice and a check with the required amount to the address listed on the invoice.
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District Convention moves to Long Branch Valley Forge Convention Center introduces slot machines, making the venue unsuitable for students
WALKING THE BOARDWALK OF SERVICE District Convention 2012 will take place at the Ocean Place Resort in
Long Branch from March 30 to April 1.
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his service year, the 65th annual New Jersey District Convention will not take place at Valley Forge Convention Center as it has in previous years, but will move to the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch. DCON 2012 will be the first held in New Jersey since the early 1970s. The Valley Forge Convention Center will begin installing slot machines this year, making it an unsuitable for a high school organization’s convention. The New Jersey District Board will be having their November board meeting at the Ocean Place Resort, as well as their Midwinter Training Conference. Midwinter is a weekend event organized by the outgoing district board to orient the following year’s new lieutenant governors, as well as the candidates for district executive office. Although many Key Club members will miss the familiar Valley Forge Convention Center, the Ocean Place Resort promises beautiful facilities situated right on the beach.
The tomato—the New Jersey District’s new official mascot This past summer, the district board adopted a New Jersey district mascot—the tomato. The tomato is also the New Jersey Circle K district mascot, in reference to New Jersey being the Garden State. Other propositions included the lion, platypus, narwhal, cat, and knights. The second most popular idea was the phoenix. Some other Key Club districts have mascots. For example, the California-Nevada-Hawaii District’s mascot is the bee! 10
Donate new school supplies at Fall Rally and help the Community Food Bank of New Jersey’s Tools 4 Schools program. Tools 4 Schools provides free school supplies for over 170 schools grades K to 12 in the state. Last year our district collected 1,156 pounds of school supplies.
Fall Rally 2011 Sunday, October 9 Registration packets will be sent in the Back-to-School Mailing to your president and club advisor.
Early Bird Registration: September 30
Meet the board Governor Nicole Darrah
Secretary Jiayun Fang
Treasurer Kimberly Lu
Bulletin Editor Andre Rosario
Montville Township High School Previous positions: Lt. Gov. Div. 19, District Bulletin Editor Hobbies: Long walks on the beach, “flying around on my Nimbus 2000” Cool story, bro: It took Nicole only four days to read the entire The Hunger Games trilogy.
Millburn High School Previous positions: Club Secretary, Lt. Gov. Div. 14 Hobbies: Reading, running On her position: “Because of Key club this year, my computer and I have become best friends.”
Nutley High School Previous positions: Lt. Gov. Div. 17 Hobbies: Cross country, reading Kafka, studying physics On her favorite game show Jeopardy!: “My favorite part is a combination of Alex Trebek’s charm and the thrill of trivia.”
Egg Harbor Township High School Previous positions: Club Editor, Lt. Gov. Div. 1 Hobbies: Learning Spanish, riding bikes, reading, On roller coasters: “I do not like roller coasters, but it’s fine. I’m still excited for Fall Rally!”
Just as each individual club has a group of elected officers to lead it, each district has a group of elected individuals who make up the District Board of Trustees. The New Jersey District Board has 27 individuals working to make sure that the New Jersey District is connected. Meet your 2011-2012 district board —LT. GOV. DIV. 1 CECILIA KANG
Lt. Gov. Division 1 Cecilia Kang
Lt. Gov. Division 5 Olivia Shanley
Egg Harbor Township High School Previous positions: Club Committee Chair, Club Editor Hobbies: Playing the piano, dance, singing “I’ve taken violin and piano lessons. I teach myself guitar and harmonica, and I recently started messing around with drums. I sing too—I love music.”
Toms River North High School Previous positions: Club Treasurer Hobbies: Horseback riding, singing, photography Favorite thing about riding horses: "The bond between the horse and the rider. In other sports, it's just you and an object. But when you ride, you're a team.
Lt. Gov. Division 2 Paige Cresci Cumberland Regional High School Previous positions: Club Secretary Hobbies: Reading, her job at a custard stand, dance Where she was last summer: “I love to do mission work. I just came back from the Dominican Republic.”
Lt. Gov. Division 3A Ami Shah Eastern High School Previous positions: Freshman Class Director, Club Vice President, Lt. Gov. Div. 3 Hobbies: Meeting new people, tennis, reading Most coveted superpower: “Flying because I live in the middle of nowhere!”
Lt. Gov. Division 3B Ravi Chauhan Eastern High School Previous positions: General member Hobbies: Playing volleyball, DJing Ouch! This past summer, Ravi fractured a finger by kicking himself accidentally while dancing.
Lt. Gov. Division 4 Sarah Diefenbach Steinert High School—East Previous positions: General member Hobbies: Travelling, field hockey, swimming Sarah is a triplet: “You always have someone to hang out with.”
Lt. Gov. Division 6 Rachel Gardner Point Pleasant Beach High School Previous positions: Club Secretary Hobbies: Playing music, going to the beach, riding bikes Rachel plays the saxophone, oboe, cellophane, and the piano for her school band: "I'm the biggest band geek ever!"
Lt. Gov. Division 7 Amanda Lutick Wall High School Previous positions: General member Hobbies: Running, tennis, reading Amanda is a varsity bowler: "I started my sophomore year with my friends as a joke and since then, we've all grown to love the sport and have continued to play."
Lt. Gov. Division 8 Nicole Ventrone Marine Academy of Science and Technology Previous positions: General member Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, reading This past summer, Nicole visited South America for five weeks. She had the opportunity to swim with a penguin!
Lt. Gov. Division 9 Vani Ranganath Holmdel High School Previous positions: General member Hobbies: Acting, painting, dancing Oops! "One time in India, I unknowingly agreed to be a background person in a movie. I didn't understand the language the person was speaking to me in."
Numbers:
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number of non-seniors on this year’s board on last year’s board: 10
19
1
division with the most clubs Division 1 just chartered its tenth club this service year at Cape May Technical High School
division with the most board members Three board members go to school in Division 19—Governor Nicole, Lt. Gov. Jerry, and Webmaster Wesley
Lt. Gov. Division 10 Revathi Mekala J.P. Stevens High School Previous positions: Club Committee Chair Hobbies: Singing, playing lacrosse Funky socks! “I love fun socks. My favorite pair has frogs on it!”
Lt. Gov. Division 11 Katie Bryden Somerville High School Previous positions: Club Editor Hobbies: Riding her Ripstik, photography, dancing Cool story, bro: Katie once did a double backflip on a trapeze.
Lt. Gov. Division 12 Zachariah DeGiulio Voorhees High School Previous positions: General member Hobbies: Hiking, running, photography Yikes! "I'm scared of cats and fire (and cats on fire)."
Lt. Gov. Division 13 Nidhi Gurjar JFK Memorial High School Previous positions: Club Vice President Hobbies: Reading, helping others “I’m a die-hard Harry Potter fanatic. He symbolizes loyalty, strength and bravery, traits all Key Club members have.”
Lt. Gov. Division 14 Celina Baquiran Union High School Previous positions: General member Hobbies: Dancing, eating, shopping "Dance to me is not just a hobby or a trend. It's my passion, my lifestyle."
Lt. Gov. Division 15 Ashley Joseph William L. Dickinson High School Previous positions: General member Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, tennis, dancing Cool story, bro: Ashley has been taking piano and classical Indian dance classes for eight years.
Lt. Gov. Division 16 Diana Hirst Tenafly High School Previous positions: General member Hobbies: Writing, singing Favorite food: "Avocado, despite my allergy to it."
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number of board members who were general members last year on last year’s board: 5
Lt. Gov. Division 17 Jenn Braun Bloomfield High School Previous positions: Freshman Class Director, Club Secretary Hobbies: Swimming, reading Cool story, bro: Jenn has a twin brother.
Lt. Gov. Division 18 Joseph Toumanios West Essex High School Previous positions: Club Vice President Hobbies: Fencing, chess, tennis Cool story, bro: Joe likes to dismantle old electronics and make new things out of them.
Lt. Gov. Division 19 Jerry Zhang Montville Township High School Previous positions: Club Public Relations Director Hobbies: Trying new foods, debating, tennis Cool story, bro: Jerry is a Canadian citizen.
Lt. Gov. Division 20 Audrey Lee Morris Hills High School Previous positions: Club President Hobbies: Baking, making mix CDs, reading Top two favorite Food Network Shows: Iron Chef, The Best Thing I Ever Ate
Lt. Gov. Division 21 Ryan Clarkin Vernon Township High School Previous positions: General member Hobbies: Soccer, listening to music, photography Ryan is the youngest on the board: “It’s helping me realize more of the possibilities ahead of me, and that excites me more than ever.”
District Webmaster Wesley Yuan Parsippany High School Previous positions: Club Webmaster Hobbies: Swimming, playing the trumpet Favorite quote: “Let nothing stop your aspirations. No one is stopping you from reaching them except yourself.”
Key Club International Trustee Nick DePorzio Fountain Hills Junior-Senior High School Previous positions: Lieutenant Governor, Southwest District Governor Hobbies: Harry Potter, science, climbing trees Read more about Nick in the International Section of this issue
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INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION Touring Arizona, meeting Key Clubbers from all over, trading pins, witnessing our own Jared Green be elected International Trustee, and coming home tanned and with many awards to be proud of BY RACHEL GARDNER, LT. GOV. DIV. 6 RYAN CLARKIN, LT. GOV. DIV 21 ANDRE ROSARIO, DISTRICT BULLETIN EDITOR
AT FIVE IN THE MORNING ON
June 25, the New Jersey Key Clubbers departed from Newark Liberty International Airport and began their adventure to Phoenix, Arizona, for International Convention. Before the convention, the 34 Key Clubbers toured the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and other sights around Arizona. The first day they watched the sunset over the Grand Canyon while exploring the surrounding area. The natural features of amazing rock structures and hiking down the canyon were amazing. The next morning the group woke up early at 4:30 a.m. to
watch the sunrise over the canyon. Though they were in the southwest, the temperature dropped to 39 degrees before the sun rose. On Monday, we spent majority of the day on the bus, traveling through desert with rocks, dirt and cacti. We hiked down a mountain where Native Americans once used to live, by carving structures in the side of mountains for protection. The history behind the rocks and beautiful view at Walnut Canyon National Monument, a site under the National Park Service in Flagstaff. At Walnut Canyon, there were man-made cliff dwellings
ON THE EDGE Lt. Gov. Rachel Gardner and Lt. Gov. Celina
Baquiran view the sunrise over the Grand Canyon.
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that the Key Clubbers were even able to walk into. Finally, the tour stopped at Sedona. This town is in the middle of a valley surrounded by indescribable features and was the perfect place to catch up on souvenir shopping.
Convention begins The convention did not officially start until Wednesday night at the Meet and Greet and pin trading, but New Jersey began making friends and enjoying their time the minute they stepped into the resort. Pin trading among districts is a convention tradition. “Too busy serving others to pump our own gas…It’s a Jersey thing” was the slogan on our district shirts and pins. The Meet and Greet was a time for all the districts to mingle with music, a mechanical bull, twister, a Vegas style marriage chapel and other corny activities. The first night was a blast, but not everything was merely fun and games. In the upcoming days, there was a walk for Eliminate which raised over $15,000, general sessions for Key Club information, hours of caucusing to elect this year’s international board, workshops, and numerous opportunities to bond.
At International, everyone is inspired through guest speakers but mostly they see Key Clubbers just like them with the same motives for making a difference.
Three NJ District officers teach workshops One of the training aspects of ICON is workshops. This year, three district board members presented workshops at convention. Immediate Past District Secretary Kevin Sun also presented the district secretary workshop, which all district secretaries are required to attend. Governor Nicole Darrah and Immediate Past Lt. Gov. of Division 19 Neepam Shah presented a workshop based on last year’s Generosity Rocks concerts on planning benefit concerts. Their workshop attracted many Key Clubbers, and their presentation room was packed. New Jersey Key Clubbers who wanted to attend the workshop just to see Nicole and Neepam decided to leave only to make room for other members! Awards Many of last service year’s district officers were distinguished. Eleven lieutenant governors earned the Robert F. Lucas Out-
international
standing Lieutenant Governor Award. For the second consecutive year, all four executive officers were distinguished. Immediate Past District Treasurer Devan Corona was the only treasurer who was distinguished in all of Key Club this year. Bloomfield High School was award the Distinguished Diamond Level Club Award, the highest distinction a club can receive. Bloomfield also came in second place for the Single Service Award in the Platinum Division. Nutley High School won first place in the Drawn Poster Contest. The Marine Academy of Science and Technology took home second place. Also, Egg Harbor Township High School won second place in the Digital Poster Contest.
“WE HAVE A TRUSTEE!” Immediate Past Lt. Gov. of Division 16 Jared Greene was elected International Trustee. Jared was elected to be one of 11 trustees from a pool of 25 candidates. The last trustee from the New Jersey District was Eileen Lee, who served during the 2009-2010 service year and also received the Outstanding Board Member
Immediate Past Lt. Gov. of Div. 12 Aimee Meissner sung the Star Spangled Banner during the Opening Session.
ROCKIN’ OUT Gov. Nicole Darrah
and Immediate Past Lt. Gov. of Div. 19 Neepam Shah prepare for their workshop on organizing concert fundraisers.
Newly elected President Annie Lewandowski was a trustee last year. Annie comes from the Pacific Northwest District.
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Lt. Gov. Div. 3A Ami Shah and Lt. Gov. Div. 10 Revathi Mekala sell Eliminate hands at the service fair, where each district showcased their district project.
Award from then President Abigail McKamey. Our new International President is Annie Lewandowski the first from the Pacific-Northwest District. Our new International Vice President is Catt Lovins from the Southwest District. Annie was a trustee last year, and Catt was the Southwest’s Secretary-Treasurer. Jared is assigned the Carolinas, Florida, and Bahamas Districts. He ran on the platform of “a more local International,” aiming to facilitate communication across all levels of the organization and also to make International resources more accessible to all members. After the new International Board was installed and the final farewell session of convention ended, the New Jersey District attendees lined up and hugged Jared, congratulating him on his election. Convention—sightseeing, bonding, being inspired, being engaged—makes members into active leaders. Those who went to convention left with a new energy for Key Club, ready to serve for the rest of the service year.
Jared (2nd from right) is the first Key Clubber from Tenafly to hold international office.
2010-2011 Executive Officers Bulletin Editor Nicole Darrah, Secretary Kevin Sun, Governor Rachel Orbach, and Treasurer Devan Corona were distinguished.
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Do you know Key Club’s Service Partners? BY OLIVIA SHANLEY, LT. GOV. DIV. 5 AS KEY CLUBBERS, WE DEDICATE our
time to positively impacting the lives of children around the world as well as bettering the future for everyone. One of the ways we make this possible is through our Service Partners—Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, March of Dimes, and UNICEF.
Founded in 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals aims to raise funds for children’s hospitals and helps keep funds in the community in which they were raised to help local children. The organization saves more than 14 million children a year from birth defects, cancer, life-threatening injuries, and other ailments, and has over 170 affiliated hospitals around the country. Wondering how you can help? Ask your school if you can sell Children’s Miracle Balloons or set up a sports tournament where the money will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. You can order balloons by calling (801) 278 -8900.
March of Dimes works to raise prenatal health care standards, help the health of mothers, and better the chances for survival of premature babies. Did you know that 1 in every 8 babies is born premature? Being born early, even just a week, can cause severe birth defects and is the primary cause of death during the first month of life. In an effort to help, Key Clubs all around the country have been holding fundraising efforts since 1978. Host or participate in a March for Babies walk or sell MOD cutouts! Contact your local March of Dimes office at 1-800-BIG-WALK to receive your supply of paper ornaments at no cost.
You have all heard of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, which Key Club has been involved with since 1994 and has raised approximately $160 million to date. In the past, Kiwanis and UNICEF nearly raised $5 million to help rid of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) worldwide, and now we plan on doing it again for this year’s District Project, Eliminate, which aims to eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus. Your club will receive Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes this fall in time for Halloween!
KCI’s Major Emphasis Program is now just Major Emphasis BY ASHLEY JOSEPH LT. GOV. DIV. 15
International Board decided to abolish the Service Initiative and change the Major Emphasis Program to just Major Emphasis. International realized that Major Emphasis really isn’t a program, and that taking out the Service Initiative gives each club the freedom to select any project that sticks with the theme of "Children: Their Future, Our Focus.” Read more about International’s decisions by checking out their board meeting minutes on the Key Club website! LAST FEBRUARY, THE
Olivia is co-chair of the International Programs Committee. Email her at ltgdiv5@njkeyclub.org.
See you soon Continue to support Children’s Specialized Hospital. Schedule a recreational therapy visit for the fall. 16
THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
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international
Meet our new International Trustee Nick DePorzio Nick brings his experiences as Immediate Past Southwest District Governor to New Jersey
For International updates, visit Nick’s website: trustynick.com
Hello to the mighty New Jersey District! Thank you so much. Thank you for all that you have done already and will do this year in your quest to make a difference, and thank you for allowing me to play a humble part in it all. In my years with Key Club, I’ve learned that a year in service is nothing short of an adventure. Never without its discouraging shortfalls but always full of valiant triumphs! Passion drives us forward. It allows us to unite and carry on our mission: to make a difference. If even the slightest improvement
is made in a year, we are making this world a better place. An individual Key Clubber can do so much, but together, we can accomplish so much more! So please remember that there are tons of people here to support you in your efforts. Myself as well as your phenomenal district board are here for you. Use us as much as you can! Feel free to Facebook me up, give me call, or shoot me a text anytime! Being a total selfadmitted nerd, mention anything about science or Harry Potter, and we’ll be best buddies in a snap!
My wish is to see the service of every member blossom by being well supported and represented. Everything from resources to communication tools should be provided for you and to see what the International Board is up to I’m sure each of you possess nothing less than the deepest love, commitment, and passion for what we’re doing, so let’s shake things up this year and really make a difference! In the deepest friendship and service, Nick DePorzio TRUSTEE TO THE OHIO, NEW JERSEY, AND NEW YORK DISTRICTS KEY CLUB INTERNATIONAL
A farewell from Immediate Past International Trustee Will Robertson
Will is attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall.
THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
Hey, New Jersey Key Club! The 2010-2011 has been a year of many challenges and successes. It is with a heavy heart that I am writing to you for the last time, because Key Club has been an integral part of my high school experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. The best consolation for me is that I know this organization will continue to grow, serving more children and bringing more members highly valuable experience. There are several things that I want to make sure everyone in New Jersey does, so that your district leads the way in making the organization even better. First, don’t forget your Kiwanis
Family. If Kiwanis fails as an organization, then Key Club also fails. Encourage people you know to not only join Key Club but also Kiwanis. It is up to new and excited people just like you to make an impact on Kiwanis as a worldwide organization. Second, I recommend that each of you attend the Key Club International Convention at least once in your Key Club career. All four conventions I’ve attended have shaped my leadership. I realize that attending this convention can be expensive, so I encourage members to start saving for this event right away. I also recommend that you reach out for community support to help pay your
way to future International Conventions. Finally, I say this: don’t forget this organization is about serving children. It is our top priority at Key Club members. This is both the most important and simple advice I can give you. Best of luck in the 2011-2012 Key Club year, I can’t wait to see how New Jersey continues in making caring its way of life. In passion for service, Will Robertson IMMEDIATE PAST TRUSTEE TO THE CAROLINAS, NEW JERSEY, AND PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICTS KEY CLUB INTERNATIONAL
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Ideas for interacting with your local K-Family clubs BY SARAH DIEFENBACH LT. GOV. DIV. 4
BUILDLING RELATIONSHIPS
On July 17, Rowan Circle K hosted the annual New Jersey Circle K K-Family Picnic in Toms River. Key Clubbers, Circle K-ers, and Kiwanians spent a sunny day at the beach participating in different activities and service projects. They were split into different teams that competed against each other in games like the sandcastle building contest, balloon toss, and tug of war. Circle K also organized a walk to remember Brian C. Kull, a past NJ Circle K District Governor. There was also a collection for the NJ Circle K’s Governor’s Project, Students Team Up to Fight Hunger (STUFH). Those who came also repainted the playground at the beach in bright green and blue. AT THE BEACH
Immediate Past New Jersey Circle K District Governor Rob Acerra elected International Representative to Subregion F of CKI ROBERT ACERRA, A MONMOUTH
This year, Rob has been using his experience to help our district board at meetings and district events like RTCs.
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University student and 20072008 Lt. Gov. of Division 7 in Key Club, was elected International Representative to Subregion F of Circle K International in June at their International Convention. For this service year, Rob will represent the Capital, Eastern Canada, New England, New Jersey, and New York Districts of CKI. Rob’s involvement in the KFamily started when he was in
high school. After graduating, he continued his service through Circle K. During his first year, he rechartered Monmouth University’s club and led it as its president. The following year he became District Treasurer, and last service year finished his term as District Governor. Rob ran for the office of President of Circle K International. Steven Spriggs from Texas A&M University ultimately won the election.
with your local K-Family clubs can lead to successful service projects. It can also allow you to meet new people and gain new perspectives. Consider these ideas and tips as you plan your service projects throughout the year:
1
Invite members from other branches to your next Key Club meeting and attend other K-Family club meetings.
2
Host a K-Family Picnic in the fall and invite all your local K-Family clubs.
3 4
Hold an ice cream party with your K-Kids.
Plan a service project with your Kiwanis or Aktion Club.
5 6 7
Organize college advice workshop with Circle K. Appoint a member as a K-Family Liaison.
Share your newsletters with your Kiwanis and Circle K.
8
Create a Kiwanis/KFamily team at your next March of Dimes or Relay for Life to get to know the other branches and their members. THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
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k-family
messages from our new jersey k-family leaders
A message from the 2010-2011 Kiwanis District Governor Mr. Marc H. Litwack
Dear Key Club Member, Initially I would like to congratulate the eleven 2010-11 lieutenant governors who were recognized by Key Club International with the Robert F. Lucas Outstanding Lieutenant Governor Award. Having 11 Lt. Governors recognized with this extremely prestigious award is an accomplishment of which all Kiwanis members in the NJ District are truly proud. Also, all 2010-11 Executive Officers were recognized by Key Club International with Distinguished Officer Awards. The four Key Club Executive Officers truly did an outstanding Mr. Litwack is from the Kiwanis Club of the Chathams.
job in providing leadership to this district. If the awards men-
A message from the 2011-2012 Kiwanis District Governor Mrs. Rosemarie Gibardi THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
Hi Key Clubbers, Looking forward to a great year. I heard Phoenix was wonderful! Hope you got a lot out of it while attending the workshops. You probably made a lot of new friends. Since October is coming fast, let's keep in mind Fall Rally is coming up and we need to get all the Key Clubbers out this year. Let's make this year the best year! I have confiMrs. Gibardi is from the Kiwanis Club of Marlboro.
tioned above are not enough, many clubs received various awards for outstanding service and excellent presentation of their service activities by Key Club International. During the 2010-2011 administrative year I have been so proud of the success that the New Jersey District of Key Club International has enjoyed in all areas of its operations. Truly the Key Club program in the New Jersey District is the Kiwanis district’s success story. I wish the almost 11,000 Key Club members tremendous success as they begin the 2011-12 service year and fulfill the mission of the Key Club organization to enrich the existence of the world. Marc H. Litwack 2010-2011 GOVERNOR NEW JERSEY DISTRICT KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
and three shots can save so many lives. Let's do it! Please let me know what projects you might be working on for the year. I know if I need any help, I can always rely on Key Clubbers. At the same time, please reach out to me if I can be of any help to you. I thank all the Key Clubbers for stepping forward to making New Jersey District the best district. Let's have a fantastic year!
dence in all of you and I Yours in Kiwanis service, know you can do it. Rosemarie Gibardi Keep in mind the Elimi- 2011-2012 GOVERNOR NEW JERSEY DISTRICT nate Project. Only $1.80 KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL
From Rutgers University, meet Circle K District Governor Jen Hsieh Hello NJ Key Clubbers! First I would like to say congratulations for all of the amazing service that you guys have worked together to accomplish this past year. NJ Key Club consistently blows me away when it comes to your level of passion, hard work, and manpower. But before I continue, I should probably introduce myself. My name is Jen and I'm serving as the 2011-2012 District Gov-
I also enjoy midnight trips to the beach and I believe a bucket of good ol' KFC can beat a fivestar dinner in the city any day, any time. In Circle K this year, we're focusing on raising membership, increasing reported service hours, and dedicating our time to the Ronald McDonald House and Students Team Up to Feed Hunger (STUFH). Be sure to stay involved in your club. You are part of such Her senior year, Jen was president of an amazBridgewater-Raritan High School Key Club. ing orernor of NJ Circle K. ganization which gives In the fall I will be a you the opportunities of a senior at Rutgers Univer- lifetime and the friends sity and I will be complet- you'll never forget. Have ing my major in Market- an amazing year, and ing. I intern as a photog- keep your love for service rapher and media manstrong! ager for the Rutgers Media and Marketing Team, Yours in caring and serand I am also a fashion vice, intern in NYC for a soJen Hsieh GOVERNOR cial media and digital NEW JERSEY DISTRICT CIRCLE K INTERNATIONAL marketing firm.
Circle K is in 11 colleges and universities in New Jersey, including TCNJ, Rowan, and Kean. 19
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Write about your club’s events for the next issue of The Jersey Key! Talk to your lieutenant governor and email District Bulletin Editor Andre Rosario at editor@njkeyclub.org.
Voorhees and Delaware Valley Key Clubs and North Hunterdon-Clinton Kiwanis help America’s Grow a Row BY ZACHARIAH DEGIULIO, LT. GOV. DIV. 12
Manasquan helps at annual community Fireman’s Fair BY ETHAN CARPENTER
MANASQUAN HIGH SCHOOL KEY CLUB MEMBER
#2 ORGANizies the Manasquan Fireman’s Fair each year. The fair started in 1974 and draws over 30,000 visitors over the course of the five-day event. This year’s Manasquan Fireman’s Fair ran smoothly from July 26 to July 30. The large abundance of activities going on at the fair requires many volunteers. Manasquan Key Club members help with fundraising, fair set-up, games, ticket booths, raffles, and fairgrounds cleanup. The fair is one of the club’s most popular projects. THE VOLUNTEER ENGINE COMPANY
America’s Grow a Row partners with farms in Pittstown, Annandale, Hope, and Chester, NJ.
THE VOORHEES AND DELAWARE VALLEY
Key Clubs and the North HunterdonClinton Kiwanis took two hours out of our day last spring to help plant string bean plants with America’s Grow a Row. They planted enough seeds to make about 6,000 servings of string beans. More than ever before, people are living on governmentfunded food stamps. According to America’s Grow a Row founder Chip Paillex, people on government programs only have about $125 a month to spend on groceries. This translates to cheap, unhealthy foods. America’s Grow a Row hopes to eliminate that unhealthy diet. Mr. Paillex started in 2002 when he saw an ad in the newspaper from the local food 20
bank requesting that farms grow an extra row of food and donate it to their local food bank. He built a garden, and in that single year donated $3,000 worth of produce to the Flemington Food Pantry. Now nine years later, Mr. Paillex’s organizati on has grown to four different farms. He has just purchased his own 138 acre farm in Alexandria, NJ, to Learn more about serve the comAmerica’s Grow a Row at muni ty and americasgrowarow.com. donate more food. Since 2002, America’s Grow a Row has donated over 1 million pounds of produce to local food banks and continues to grow.
BY JENN KREDER
Brick Memorial organizes Survivor’s Luncheon at local Relay for Life
BRICK MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL EDITOR
On June 4 at Windward Beach in Brick, the Brick Memorial Key Club volunteered at the annual Relay for Life event. Brick has volunteered at this event for the past four years. This year 12 members helped with setting up and running the Survivor’s Luncheon. The Survivor’s Luncheon consisted of various beverage choices, catered hot food and salads, along with multiple dessert-type items. THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
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clubs The YOF grant application deadline is October 15. You can find the application at keyclub.org.
What are you doing for Key Club Week?
How Warren Hills has used the Youth Opportunities Fund BY ZACHARIAH DEGIULIO, LT. GOV. DIV. 12
BY CELINA BAQUIRAN, LT. GOV. DIV. 14
of November is Key Club Week. This year, Key Club Week takes place November 7-11. Each day during Key Club week is a day dedicated to showing what Key Club is all about, service! Through service, we can all promote Key Club to our homes, schools, and communities. EVERY YEAR, THE FIRST week
Hold an appreciation breakfast, write thank you notes, and more. Wednesday, November 9
Connect the K’s With over 260,000 members, Key Club International is the largest student-led service organization in the world and is one of the few members of the Kiwanis family. Take this day to celebrate the entire K-Family by Monday, November 7 uniting with your local Kiwanis, Show your K in every Circle K, Key Club, Builders way You’re a Key Clubber and you Club, K-Kids, and Aktion Club. Get the whole K-Family involved, whether it be for a service project or a divisional picnic. Thursday, November 10
Bring a friend to Key Club The more the merrier. The more Key Club members there are the better. More members SHOW YOUR K Encourage your members to means more service, wear their club t-shirts. Consider making shirts to wear at events and service prowhich means Key Club jects. It’s easy publicity! will increase its impact it has on the world. Don’t be should be proud to show it! Tell afraid to bring one or two people what Key Club is all friends, or even more, to your about by publicizing through next meeting. flyers, announcements, ads in newspapers, or even wearing Friday, November 11 Key Club gear. Your way Tuesday, November 8
Kudos to the Key players Remember that Key Club would not be possible without the support of others; such as your teachers, advisors, and more. Today, thank your supporters for all they have done for you. THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
Today is the day for you to do your own thing. This is your chance to get the word out about Key Club in any way you want. Whether it be volunteering, having a meeting, or hosting a Key Club party, let this be the day that you celebrate everything Key Club is about.
In 2009, Warren Hills won close to $2,000 from the YOF grant to create the Washington Community Garden.
Key Clubs apply each year for the YOF grant to fund larger projects. In 2009, Warren Hills Regional High School Key Club won the YOF grant. MARY FINNEGAN DREAMED UP
the Washington Community Garden in the middle of 2009. It was to be a garden in which individuals and businesses and organizations could sponsor a plot to grow whatever they wanted. She filled out the paperwork and sent it to Kiwanis. Within a matter of months, the Warren Hills Regional High School had
$1,969 to build the garden. It began with 72 plots and has expanded to 92 plots as of this year. Thanks to an active Key Club, it has gained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as well as support from parents, community members and local politicians. “It’s an amazing thing that happened,” Warren Hills Key Club President Iris Lam says. “It brings a great sense of community.” Key Club owns two of the plots in the garden. Throughout the year, members plant and maintain their plots and donate the food grown to their local food banks. So far, the garden has grown and donated over 1,000 pounds of food.
Wall High School collects clothes for tornado victims in the South BY AMY LUTICK, WALL HIGH SCHOOL MEMBER AS THE DEATH TOLL NEARED
300 from the record-breaking number of tornados and storms tearing through the South this past April, thousands were left homeless. Through the months of April and May, Wall High School Key Clubbers organized a school-wide
clothing drive for the homeless in the South with a focus on Alabama. The club collected anything from socks and shoes to jackets and pants. The bags of clothing soon piled up, and the club was glad to be able to help the homeless in Alabama. 21
leadership How to maintain a huge club
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Test-taking tips
BY JOSEPH TOUMANIOS, LT. GOV. DIV. 18
Tips from Montville Township High School Key Club, the district’s largest club BY JERRY ZHANG, LT. GOV. DIV. 19
Strong communication, keeping organized If your club is this large, you have to keep accurate records of members’ hours/points. Sign-in sheets are strongly recommended for every event, since it is very easy to forget about a member being there if 100 people came. At the end of the year, if there is a dispute, you want to have documentation to confirm your count of their hours. Also, use social networking sites, newsletters, emails, and a club website to spread information easily. Public speaking Project your voice. Your audience could be made up of hundreds of members, and those in the very back need to hear you. Don’t scream, but keep your head up, make eye contact with the entire crowd, and speak loudly. If you get nervous, remember that they are not judging your speaking abilities. They just want to hear what you have to say. No nonsense meetings Don’t waste your members’ time. There are too many people for icebreakers or around the room introductions, so just top five LARGEST SCHOOLS start the meeting with information IN THE DISTRICT they absolutely Montville 262 need to know. Union 248 Talk about Roxbury 242 your upcoming Bridgewater-Raritan 227 Hackettstown 224 events and stress their importance and announce the date of your next meeting only. If they get rowdy, simply say “Please, if you want to leave earlier, stop chatting.” 22
Finding the right balance between school and Key Club is important, especially at the beginning of the school year. Make to-do lists and plan what you want to accomplish each month.
TESTS—NOBODY LIKES THEM, BUT THEY’RE
your chances of guessing the right answer are part of school and a part of life. Here are increased. some simple test-taking tips:
Draw tables or pictures. Read all directions first. Often illustrating a problem will make reSome tasks may be easier or harder than membering key facts easier and will organize others or more suited towards your skills. your thoughts. Do the easiest section first. Read all answers before answerManage your time wisely. ing. You only have so much time. Plan how Just because one answer sounds right, it does much time you can spend on each question not mean that there is not a better one listed before you start each section. below. Skip questions. If you don’t know the answer to a question, circle it, skip it. Perhaps another question will remind you of the answer. Narrow down answers. If you can eliminate certain choices, then Having extra officers It is extremely difficult, if not impossible for five or six officers to run a key club with hundreds of members. Montville Club President Rachel Sholder says, “It is a lot easier to manage a huge club when you have numerous officer positions instead of just having President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Editor.” Knowing your K-Family
Always prepare ahead. There is no substitute for studying and learning the material. Be sure to be well rested and have different songs, acronyms, stories, or any other study strategy skill memorized in preparation for you test. For a club this size, it is important to turn to the K family for support. Promote Key Club at the middle school level and through Builders Club to maintain your club’s size, and for large events Kiwanis can help you out a lot. Rachel says, “If you stay very organized and have good relations with the other officers, the advisor, the Kiwanis liaison, and the lieutenant governor, it is much easier to successfully maintain a club.” THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
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leadership
Register for Key Leader This December, improve your leadership, meet other Key Clubbers, and learn more about yourself
How to attract more members BY KATIE BRYDEN, LT. GOV. DIV. 11 THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR IS PRIME TIME
BY JENN BRAUN, LT. GOV. DIV. 17 KEY LEADER IS A WEEKEND
that will carry with you for the rest of your life. Not only will you walk away acquiring traits such as leadership, personal growth, integrity, respect, and personal excellence, but you will make friends for a lifetime. This year, Key Leader takes place December 9-11 at Camp Lebanon in Lebanon, New Jersey. It is open to all high school students, even nonKey Clubbers, and gives One of the main parts of Key Leader is sharing ideas and thoughts about leadership in groups and with partners. them the opportunity to learn about service leader- return to their communities ship. more empowered to serve. Small groups, large groups, Jenn is a co-chair of the ICON/Key discussions, and activities Leader Subcommittee of the district’s will help enrich attendees’ International Programs Committee. Register for Key Leader at key-leader.org. leadership so that they can Email her at ltgdiv17@njkeyclub.org.
Advice for working with your advisors
to attract more members to your club. Here are a few tips to help you take advantage of it:
Advertise To guarantee an increase in membership, make a Facebook group that has meeting and event reminders. Use the daily news at school. Post flyers and make a bulletin board. Even try to get some spotlight at PTA meetings. Offer incentives You could bring food or beverages to your meetings to attract new members. Try a pizza party or an ice-cream social. Also, try thinking of a reward for members who invite their friends to meetings. Stay in touch Get member’s contact information by creating a registration form. Ask if they can receive text messages so that you can send them event and meeting reminders! BY PAIGE CRESCI, LT. GOV. DIV. 2
OFFICERS, HERE ARE SOME SUG-
“Cc:” your advisor in your imporgestions for how you can be as tant Key Club emails. It keeps cooperative as possible with your everyone on the same page. faculty and Kiwanis advisors.
Don’t bother them during class! When you have to talk to your advisor, stop by his or her classroom before first period or after school. This way you don’t bother them during class. They may know more than you. Advisors are full of information about all aspects of Key Club, especially if they have been there for your club for years. Ask them for advice and examples of plans from previous service years. Email! THE JERSEY KEY
September 2011
You’re not the only one who’s busy. Have a little extra time on your hands? Switch things up and help your advisor! Your advisors are busy people. They are usually teachers with families and lives of their own. Care about your work. Show a genuine interest in the work you do. Your advisor will take notice. Make your service more about the people you help and less about your hours count. ”There are many people within our community who need to know that there are people who care,” Cumberland Regional High
MR. COOL Eastern High School Key Club advisor Mr. Trinkner poses for a
goofy picture with the club at last April’s District Convention. This service year is his third year as advisor.
School faculty advisor Mrs. VanMeter says. “One person at a time can make a difference in the lives of others.”
advisor. Invite each other to your events. Building this relationship will make it much easier to ask for help later on!
Your Kiwanis advisor Keep in touch with your Kiwanis 23
9/11/01 The New Jersey District will never forget.