DCON Tex-O-Key

THE TEX-O-KEY KEY CLUB // APRIL 2014

VOLUME 2

ISSUE 6

TAKE A LOOK INSIDE MEET THE BOARD (AGAIN) Can we all just be BFFLs? pg. 12

DRESS CODE Tips to get you looking fly in no time pg. 09

CONTESTS & AWARDS Got skills?

Show ‘em off! pg. 05

TOKEYCLUB.COM

CONTENTS 03

Contributions Team Hook vs. Team Pan

08

Service Fair, Elections, and Scholarships

04

A Welcome from your CL Abbreviated Schedule

09

Dress Code

10

Forums

11

Exploring Neverland

12

Meet the Board

14

The Importance of DCON

05

Governor’s Report

06

Messages from International

07

Contests and Awards Meet the Keynote Speaker

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the 65th Annual District Convention!

We’ve finally made it, T-O Key Clubbers! Since last April, I’m sure we’ve all been counting down the days until DCON 2014. I’m proud to say that after a productive year of caring for our homes, schools, and communities, we are at last here. This weekend is sure to be a blast, and let me assure you, you all deserve it.

I’d like to say thank you all for the effort you’ve dedicated to this organization throughout this past year.

Without your hard work and commitment, our district wouldn’t have progressed nearly as much as it did. Just in terms of monthly submissions, I was able to recognize your passion in your articles, photos, and newsletters. What’s more is that I was constantly notified of all the great things you all were doing for your communities– whether that be planning an Eliminate marathon, holding a prom at a nursing home, or volunteering regularly at the local homeless shelter. For all of those contributions, thank you. You have made a meaningful impact on not only our district, but all of Key Club International, and more than that, on the entire community.

After such a life-changing term, I can’t wait to meet you all this weekend. If you get a chance, please come say hello! Have a fantastic weekend at the Sheraton, mighty T-O District!

Yours in service, Tashrima Hossain

CONTRIBUTIONS COVER PHOTOS Mohammad Syed

ARTICLE Abhinav Ashar

WELCOME TO CONVENTION

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Grace Liu

Luke Broussard

MESSAGES FROM INTERNATIONAL Raeford Penny and Zack Waldorf

HOOK or PAN? Pick your side. Decide your fate.

A thrilling addition to the theme of this year’s District Convention will knock you off the hook! The intense rivalry between Team Hook and Team Pan will certainly contribute to this weekend’s adventure and whimsy.

If you haven’t pledged your allegiance yet, decide now because these four days will be filled with team competitions and costume contests. You have the opportunity to represent Hook or Pan and win for your team!

This weekend, the first place you can show your true colors is at the Welcoming Activity Costume Contest.

Dress like any character that falls into the category of “Get Hooked on Service.”

Win points for your team. Who knows who will triumph in the end… Hook or Pan?

WELCOME This year has been one filled with service all around our communities. With all the work done, why not celebrate your achievements? Fellow members, I’d like to welcome you to the 65th Annual District Convention. From the Welcoming Activity to the Farewell Breakfast, this is sure to be a weekend that’ll get you hooked. So celebrate this year of caring– you’ve earned it!

Yours in service, Grace Liu, 13-14 Convention Liaison

T H U R S D AY Convention/Contest Check-In Service Fair Welcoming Activity Advisors/Judges Orientation Meeting Candidates Orientation Meeting Sergeant-at-Arms Orientation Meeting S AT U R D AY Regional Caucuses Scholarship Interviews Leadership Luncheon House of Delegates Awards Banquet Governor’s Ball

F R I D AY Late Contest/Convention Check In Forums Scholarship Interviews Contests Advisors’ Round Table Lunch Opening Session S U N D AY Farewell Breakfast 2014-2015 District Board Meeting

GOVERNOR’S REPORT FROM LUKE BROUSSARD Hello Texas-Oklahoma Key Clubbers!

On behalf of the 2013-2014 District Board, I welcome you to the 65th annual District Convention here in beautiful Dallas, Texas.

Every year, we gather together to celebrate an amazing year of service, dedicated to our homes, schools, and communities. Please take a moment to reflect on your successes of this past year. Your dedication to serving others has made an everlasting impact and has changed the world for the better. The Texas-Oklahoma District has given hundreds of thousands of precious h o u r s o f s e r v i c e, i m p l e m e n t e d outstanding projects, and contributed to numerous causes. Caring is truly our way of life, and your participation and passion have made this year a total success.

This weekend, you will make many memories, meet new people, and learn new methods to better serve your home clubs and communities. Take advantage of the many different forums

as well as electing your future District leaders, ensuring the legacy of TO within Key Club International. The District Board has put numerous hours into planning District Convention, and we are sure by the end of this amazing weekend, you will be “Hooked on Service.”

To all of the underclassmen, we hope to see you again next year after yet another successful year of service! To the graduating seniors, thank you for your contributions to Key Club over the years.

If you enjoyed your experience within this organization, look into joining Circle K International and continuing within the Kiwanis Family.

Yours in service,

Luke Broussard Texas-Oklahoma District Governor

I N T E R N AT I O N A L U P D AT E S PRESIDENT Raeford Penny

G r e e t i n g s Te x a s Oklahoma Key Clubbers, It is the most wonderful time of the Key Club year; yes its District Convention (DCON) season! On behalf of the I nternational Board, I’d like to welcome you to the 65th Annual District Convention! DCON is an exciting experience for each of you to meet Key Clubbers from all around the district and dance the night away with them. With the T-O’s DCON theme of Get Hooked on Service, it is sure to a blast! You will gain new ideas from various workshops, and dress up for banquets (I know we all have that secret love of dressing up). Your International Trustee, Zack Waldorf, and I cannot wait to attend and meet all of you. Most importantly, however, you will have the opportunity to elect your leaders for the 2014-15 year.

These individuals will lead your district and continue to inspire others, just as each and every one of you inspire those around you.

There is just one question remaining, are you Team Hook or Team Pan? International has been busy at work, as we have just had our February International Board meeting in Anaheim, CA. Much was accomplished there from things regarding the dues amount, the Youth Opportunities Fund, and campaign guidelines to name a few. You can view the entire Board Minutes! T-O is now over 15,000 members, so remember to keep turning in your dues to reach your goal of 18,000! Key Club International is just short of raising $500,000 for the Eliminate Project since October 1, 2013 so remember to turn in your Trick or Treat Money and get excited for more fundraisers!

Yours in Service Raeford Penny, Key Club International President raefordpenny@gmail.com

TRUSTEE

Zack Waldorf

G r e e t i n g s Te x a s Oklahoma!

I t ’s b e e n quite a year and quite an honor serving you as your International Trustee for the 2013-2014 year. With DCON only a few days away, I just wanted to commend you all on an excellent year of service.

Texas-Oklahoma always has a reputation of being one of Key Club International’s ‘powerhouse’ districts and you guys definitely upheld that reputation.

With your dedication to the Eliminate Project and our other preferred charities, you have all proved to be formidable servant leaders.

District Convention is a time to celebrate the service year and elect your new officers for the 2014-2015 year. Here, you can learn about leadership, your officer position, and even International Convention 2014 in Anaheim, California.

Get excited T-O! It will be an experience I'm sure that you will never forget.

With that, I will see you at convention!

Yours in Caring and Service, Zack Waldorf Key Club International Trustee trustee.waldorf@gmail.com

At each District Convention, over 75 trophies, plaques, and other honors are given to both clubs and individuals that show achievement in specified contests and categories.

C O N T E S T S & AWA R D S CLUBS

The Top 25 Clubs are determined by the monthly reports submitted to District Secretary Usman Hyder.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Kevin Wanzer Kevin Wanzer, an energizing and empowering speaker, will be giving his “once in a laughtime” message. From Indiana, Kevin has spoken in nearly all 50 states, Canada, Europe, Singapore, and China. With his exciting message focusing on overcoming obstacles and having a sense of humor, his attendees will definitely be in for a laugh.

Clubs will participate in numerous contests, including the Governor’s Project, District Project, Major Emphasis, Single Service Award, Service Fair Award, Outstanding Club Officers, and the Jolly Roger Theme Contest. Entering contests as a club is a great way to sum up the year of service. What’s more is that club awards are a great way to share service ideas with the district!

INDIVIDUALS Put yourself in the spotlight! The individual contests will allow you to show off your skills. Will the Texas or Oklahoma smarties win the Quiz Bowl this year?

Which speaker will win the Oratorical Contest? And which writer will the Impromptu Essay? Who’s the most talented individual in T-O? The individual contests are a great chance to show off and have a blast!

staff elections Along with the celebration of all the service accomplished over the year, DCON will hold the election of certain District Staff members, including the Governor, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each leadership position is unique, but together, they become the chief executives of the district, overseeing the work of Lieutenant Governors and clubs.

The election process is necessary to decide those in the 2014-15 District Staff.

The election process will also help to decide the Texas-Oklahoma District’s

endorsement for International Trustee.

Before attending Regional Caucusing, the Leadership Luncheon, and the House of Delegates, be sure to read through the candidate biographies. Maybe even prepare a few questions to ask the candidates after hearing their Regional Caucus speeches. You, as a District member, have the opportunity to be a part of the District’s decision for TexasOklahoma’s next leaders. Make the most of it! Election results will be announced at the Farewell Breakfast.

senior scholarships Provided by the Texas-Oklahoma District Kiwanis Foundation, thousands of dollars are granted in scholarship funds each year. This program is also exclusive to Key Club and CKI members in the Texas-Oklahoma District! Scholarship interviews will occur throughout the weekend, and recipients will be announced on Sunday morning at the farewell breakfast.

service fair The Service Fair put up during the Welcoming Activity displays some of the great projects successfully created by clubs. A place of achievement and unity, ideas are shared and gathered through the display of these amazing projects.

By sharing service projects, the S e r v i c e Fa i r i n c r e a s e s t h e effectiveness of volunteering throughout the Texas-Oklahoma District. Trophies are awarded for the best displays!

DRESS

CODE

The dress code is strictly enforced at all convention events and sessions.

Students and sponsors alike are expected to abide by the dress guidelines for each specific event. Note the details of this dress code, as attendees will be refused entry at session doors for non-compliance.

O P T I O N A L C A S U A L F O R M A L A T T I R E (ladies & gentlemen) Professional or tasteful formal dress will be permitted. Formal or semi-formal dresses no shorter than fingertip length; spaghetti straps, halters, one-shoulder, and strapless dresses are acceptable; all other rules for professional attire apply.

(ladies & gentlemen) Appropriate dollar-bill width shirt straps and fingertip length shorts/ skirts. Unacceptable: any excessively low-cut shirt, tattered or torn jeans, shirts not abiding by proper measurements (dollar-bill width and fingertip length; ex: halters, spaghetti straps, one-shoulder, etc.), bare midri, or excessive skin, any clothes with explicit language or symbols (includes sexual innuendo, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, foul language, etc.)

PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL A T T I R E A T T I R E (gentlemen) Suit or dress coat and tie with dress slacks or khakis, socks, and dress shoes.

Dress coat and tie are absolutely mandatory.

Unacceptable: shorts, denim, sneakers, sandals of any kind, or letterman jackets.

(ladies) Dresses, suits, pantsuits, skirts (no shorter than fingertip length) with blouse (sleeve at least dollar bill width, around 3�), dress shoes, and sweaters/ dress jackets. Unacceptable: flip-flops, sneakers, denim, shirts with sleeves less than dollar bill width (halters, spaghetti straps, one-shoulder, strapless, etc.), bare midri, shorts, excessively low-cut blouses, or letterman jackets.

F

RUMS

OFFICER FORUMS

President/Vice President (2) Secretary Treasurer Editor

DCON Theme (Arts & Crafts) Icebreakers Social Interaction (Scavenger Hunt) (2)

CLUB DEVELOPMENT Public Speaking Leadership Stress Management Key Note Speaker

FUN

Fundraising and Planning Ahead on Projects Reaching Out (Promotion and Communication) Club Spirit (Creating Unity and Activeness)

Key Club Classified ELIMINATE Project Anti-Bullying

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

PROJECTS & EVENTS

Key Leader ICON Service Events (Relay for Life, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, etc.)

Helping the Environment (Being Green and Saving Energy

Applying to and Surviving College

PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

EXPLORING NEVERLAND

(also known as The Sheraton)

FOOD Chill Frozen Yogurt

RECREATION Gym

Looking for something refreshing to eat? Come by the Chill Yogurt shop to buy some frozen yogurt, located on the first floor.

Found on the fourth floor, the gym has various exercising equipment, from treadmills to weights to exercising bicycles. Available 24/7, look out at a beautiful view of the swimming pool as you get your adrenaline pumping.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea Need some caffeine before an energetic day of DCON? Want to grab breakfast? Head down to the first floor to grab coffee and a pastry.

Marriott Food Court Connected to the Sheraton Hotel is the Marriott. With several restaurants, attendees can come here often for breakfast or lunch.

Just go down a hallway that links both hotels to find the food court.

Swimming Area Right outside the gym on the fourth floor, the rectangular pool is considerably shallow and safe.

Near the pool, there are pool chairs and bedlike seats. Grab a quick snooze before your next event!

Governor Luke Broussard

Secretary Usman Hyder

MEET

YOUR

Treasurer Isaiah ValleQuinones

BOARD

Editor Tashrima Hossain

Convention Liaison Grace Liu

1N Angelica Ibarra 1S Thuy Tran 2S Peter Brehm 2N Kaitlyn Wilson 2C Steffi Lee

3E Ivanna Soto

3N Gabi Bradshaw 3S Jenny Li

9E Caitlyn Conway

5 Hope Carter 7/33 Ashlyn Salvato 8 Michael King

9W Kim Bosquez 10 Connor Brown 11 Valeria De La Fuente 12/22 Emily Franchuk 14 Jeff Smith 17 Angus MarRn

18 Karen Chao 20 Steven Baringer 23 Serina Olivares 24N Emily Zhao 24S Edeline Ong 25N Shelby Adams

25S/31 Tommy Kim 25W Brandon BurneH 26 Macy Pollard

28 Jayce Williams 30 Kelsea Long 32Bailea Branum

34 Rebekah Drennon 35 Allison Beaver 38 MaH Curbow 39N Osman Moneer 39S Jennifer Roca 40W Carrie Harms

40E Sara Groth Tech Producer Mohammad Syed

from great to

GREAT-ARRR key clubbers at DCON

by Abhinav Ashar, Cypress Woods

What is the significance of DCON? Why are we recommended to go to it? What is its importance? First of all, DCON, which stands for District ConvenRon, is a four-­‐day event from April 24 to 27, 2014, held in Dallas, Texas. Here, hundreds of Key Clubs come from high schools all over Texas and Oklahoma and further their knowledge about Key Club while enjoying and taking part in a fun weekend full of exciRng events, acRviRes and educaRonal leadership workshops.

It is important to aHend DCON b e c a u s e d u r i n g t h i s e x c i R n g convenRon, we parRcipate in many acRviRes, such as the Video Game Contest and the ConvenRon Theme Contest with over 75 awards, trophies, plaques and other honors given to the winners of different compeRRons.

This allows people from different places to meet and interact with each other while enjoying themselves.

They can make new friends, talk and even give each other ideas on how to improve their Key Clubs, creaRng an environment where learning is combined with enjoyment and fun.

That benefits every person from every different Key Club.

Also, it is important to aHend the District ConvenRon because during

that weekend, Key Club members are taught different ways and methods they can use to improve their clubs, along with some event and donaRon ideas. By aHending, members can gain knowledge on how to make their own Key Clubs even beHer than before, which can be very helpful.

Another reason it is important to aHend DCON is that members get to go to different forums and sessions to learn how to become beHer Key Club leaders. In addiRon to that, Key Note speakers are brought in to give speeches on different topics. This year’s speaker is Kevin Wanzer, who will share his inspiraRonal message on overcoming obstacles.

Lastly, during DCON, the district staff elecRons are held, and delegates decide who will become the following year’s District Governor, Secretary, T r e a s u r e r a n d T -­‐ O -­‐ e n d o r s e d InternaRonal Trustee. It is important that Key Club members give their voices and decide which candidates are qualified to be the Texas-­‐ Oklahoma Key Club Leaders. In conclusion, by aHending DCON, members can take part in important decisions, get useful ideas and enjoy this exciRng event.

AUTOGRAPHS

Get hooked on new Key Club friends this District Convention!

Write down their contact information, so you can keep in touch.

NAME

SCHOOL

NUMBER

EMAIL

THE TEX-O-KEY KEY CLUB // APRIL 2014