T-O Today Issue 1. 2018-2019. by Texas-Oklahoma District of Circle K International

ISSUE 1

P L E D

01 T-O Cover Page

03 Editor’s Notes

03 Letter from the Governor 04 District Convention 06 Scholarship Recipients 07 District Awards 12 Governor’s Project 13 Meet Your Board 14 Executive Staff 15 Administrators 16 Lieutenant Governors 19 Committee Chairs 21 District Goals 22 International Convention 23 T-O Keycon 24 Special Recognition 25 T-O Tour 2

I pledge to uphold the Objects of Circle K International, to foster compassion and goodwill toward others through service and leadership, to develop my abilities and the abilities of all people, and to dedicate myself to the realization of mankind’s potential.

EDITOR’S NOTES Hello Mighty T-O District!! My name is Yahaira Arneros and I am proud to serve as your 2018-2019 Texas-Oklahoma District Editor. This year has already been such a thrilling experience for me and I cannot wait to see what the rest of this year holds. Feel free to contact me with any questions or even huge events or articles you would like to be taken in consideration for publication in the T-O Today. I am so proud to present this year’s first edition of the T-O Today!!

Yahaira Arneros, UTA ’19. editor@txokcki.org

LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR Hello Mighty Texas-Oklahoma District! I am so humbled to be serving you this year as the 20182019 District Governor. As this year has taken off in a full on sprint, I am excited to see all of your new officers at this year's Weekend Officer Workshop in August at the University of Texas at Dallas. This year's training will be one like no other! I am so excited to be working with you all and seeing all the amazing things you accomplish. Please let me know if you ever need anything. I am here to serve YOU the members of the best district in Circle K International!

Let's DO BETTER than ever,

Dylann Lowery

DCON 2018! +

An annual district wide event where a unique group of individuals get together to celebrate a year’s worth of service, leadership, and fellowship. It’s at this event where we connect with fellow CKI members from around Texas and Oklahoma, where the Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis Foundation recognizes deserving members through scholarship, present awards to outstanding officers or members for their outstanding service achievements, honor our outgoing district board, and elect our new Executive Staff and initiate our Lieutenant Governors! This year’s district convention we were able to walk on the red carpet and shine a spotlight on service. The Embassy Suites in Denton, TX held the 64th Annual District Convention “T-O Presents: Lights! Action! Service! March 2nd-4th, 2018.

Scholarship Recipients During District Convention we hold interviews for our members after receiving applications. These members go through a competitive interview with Kiwanis Members and from those, a few are chosen to receive scholarships from the Texas-Oklahoma Kiwanis foundation. Below are the following scholarship recipients. The Jesse Hopkins Memorial Endowed Scholarship Linda Le, South Plains College Chris Estrada Endowed Scholarship Trayon Hunter, Southwestern Christian College Gary & Linda Hicks Endowed Scholarship Ashley Handoko, The University of Texas at Dallas Joe Stillwell Endowed Scholarship Hector Perez-Aponte, Cameron University Colleen Biggerstaff Scholarship Bay Bolen, Oklahoma State University T-O Kiwanis Past Lieutenant Governors Association Scholarship Katie Shier, Stephen F. Austin State University Jack Frost Endowed Scholarship Samuel Kinnin, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Dick Robinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship Dylann Lowery, Oklahoma State University Don Wilson Endowed Scholarship Kristina Bunn, University of Oklahoma Andy Estrada Endowed Scholarship Matthew Riley, Stephen F. Austin State University

AWARDS We are so proud of our members and all their accomplishments in the 2017-2018 CKI year. Below are the awards and their recipients!

Stan Soderstrom Outstanding Chapter Achievement University of Houston Hunter Faubion Outstanding Chapter Improvement University of Texas at Dallas Outstanding New Chapter University of Texas at Tyler

Outstanding Single Service Project University of Texas at Dallas Outstanding District Project Involvement West Texas A&M University Outstanding Service Partners Involvement West Texas A&M University

AWARDS Patrick Sims Outstanding Newsletter Kennie Merbach, Stephen F. Austin State University Outstanding Scrapbook University of Houston Outstanding Non-Traditional Scrapbook University of Houston Outstanding Video University of Houston Outstanding T-Shirt Texas A&M University Outstanding Website University of Houston

Tim Clipson People Builder Rebecca Burgamy, Texas A&M University Outstanding New Member Soham Shah, The University of Texas at Dallas Oratory Contest Jordan Eilers, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Impromptu Essay Kennedy Lyons, Southwestern Christian College

AWARDS S

Howard H. Hendrick Leadership Award Katie Shier - Stephen F. Austin State University Outstanding Vice President Kristina Tarango, Stephen F. Austin State University Outstanding Secretary Leon Wang, The University of Texas at Dallas Outstanding Secretary-Treasurer Stephanie Linter, West Texas A&M University Scott Kimball Outstanding Treasurer Linda Schiller, The University of Texas at Dallas Outstanding Editor Kennie Merbach, Stephen F. Austin State University Outstanding Committee Chair Diana Navarro, Stephen F. Austin State University

AWARDS During District Convention we proudly award Kiwanians and other Kiwanis-Family Members for the leadership and service theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve completed. Below are the following awards and recipients.

Fred & Dottie Seals Circle of Service Colleen Biggerstaff Clinton Althaus Award Allison Prisco-Macias Dennis Hodgkiss Advisor of the Year Colleen Biggerstaff, Kiwanis Advisor to The University of Texas at Dallas Outstanding Sponsoring Kiwanis Club The Kiwanis Club of Allen, The University of Texas at Dallas Walt Parker Outstanding K-Family Relations The University of Texas at Dallas

be the change

EXECUTIVE STAFF What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? Oklahoma State University. GO POKES! I am a double major in Business Management and Child-Family Services. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking forward to representing this district at several events and meeting wonderful members from across the Texas-Oklahoma District. What’s your favorite superhero and why? Captain America because 'MERICA and cute bootay. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Gossip Girl or Vampire Diaries. #TeamDamon Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I also am going to Greece for two weeks in June. Hoping I have a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants experience and pick up a cute Greek boy. What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? Texas A&M University and I am currently seeking a Human Resources Management degree with a minor in Psychology. What are you looking forward to most this year? I’m obviously looking forward to another astonishingly brilliant CKI year! I’m ready to forge new bonds, relish in old friendships, and jump into helping others and saving lives! What’s your favorite superhero and why? Green Lantern. He creates objects and his powers operate through his control/utilization of willpower and I’ve always thought that was inspiring. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? How I Met Your Mother (Bc it’s better than Friends. You may commence fighting.) Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I don’t use hair gel, and hopefully never will.

What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? University of Texas at Tyler and will be getting a PharmD Degree. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am truly looking forward to working with and getting to know the various chapters across the Mighty T-O District. What’s your favorite superhero and why? My all time favorite would be Green Arrow, another favorite superhero of mine is also a DC native: Zatanna. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Just one? Well, any of the CW channel’s DC shows (Arrow, Flash, Legends, etc.)! Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? The main thing I like people to know about me is that I am always here to help with anything, business or personal.

What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? University of Texas at Arlington, I am seeking an International Business and French degree. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking most forward to strengthening my bonds with my T-O Board and to grow as an individual and a CKI member! What’s your favorite superhero and why? SO MANY. Top three Marvel are Iron Man, Captain America, and my small bean Spidey. Top Three DC are Wonder Woman, The Flash (loml), and Zatanna. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Jane the Virgin.. The Flash.. Supergirl... You know what- make that all CW shows. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I absolutely love languages, I can say, “I can speak ____.” in approx. 15 languages.

ADMINISTRATORS Hello CKI!!! To say that being appointed as District Administrator for Circle K last August was my “dream job” is an understatement! My CKIers are what make my Kiwanis heart beat and I love watching the amazing things they are doing! I am honored to be working with a dream team of past CKI Governors! Allison, John and Marcelo truly exhibit what a successful CKIer can be! I’ve been a member of the Allen Kiwanis Club since 1996. I am the eldest of three – one brother and one sister, and of course you know my purple haired “Queen” mother! I was a Distinguished President the same year that I was Mrs. Texas International, and served a second term as President – also Distinguished – then I was a Distinguished Lt. Governor. I was T-O District Governor in 2014-15 the same year Kiwanis celebrated our 100 year birthday! It was an amazing year! My vision for CKI for the future is to grow not just in number, but in the impact that we make in our communities throughout the District. I hope that one day CKI will be as well known as Key Club! Hello Everyone! My name is John Cano and I am a past Key Clubber from Victoria, Texas and a past CKI member while I was a student at The University of Texas Austin. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a (B.A. History ‘10) and from Wake Forest University with a (M.A. Management ‘11) and I am employed as a Payroll Business Analyst at UT. I was a distinguished district governor for my term in 2008-09 and my district was recognized as a distinguished district in the same year. I have been a Kiwanian since 2010, I joined the Kiwanis Committee on CKI as assistant administrator in 2017 and I am nearing the completion of my term as president of the Kiwanis Club of Austin-Northeast. Since 2015 I have also served as the staff advisor to the UT CKI chapter. I currently live in Austin with my husband of 5 years, Morgan, and I have two orange and white tabby cats to which I am allergic to. A fun fact about me is that I love movies and I have rated over 650 movies on IM Db. Something I would like all of CKI to know about me is that I am an open book! My goals for this year include supporting the board to make this year better than the year before in academic achievement, membership, leadership development, service, event attendance, and fundraising. Something I would like all of CKI to know about me is that I am an open book!

Howdy! My name is Allison Macias, and I am excited to be serving this year as the District Events Assistant Administrator for the mighty T-O District! My journey in the Kiwanis Family began as a member of Builders Club 14 years ago. Dedicating almost half of my life thus far to Kiwanis has been the most fulfilling and rewarding experience. From serving as a club president in Key Club, to a distinguished district governor in for T-O CKI, and now getting ready to begin my first term as president of my Kiwanis club this fall, I have learned so much about myself as a servant leader. I hope your experience in the K-Family becomes as meaningful to you as it has been for me! I graduated from Oklahoma State with my B.S. in Accounting in 2014. I am currently employed with the United States Postal Service. I live with my husband, Nick, our children, Madelynne and Kenneth, and 4 cats. My goals for this year include seeing improved attendance at our district events, as well as incorporating more alumni and Kiwanis interaction at our events!

Hello Mighty T-O! I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve the Texas-Oklahoma District as an Assistant Administrator, LTG Advisor. My journey in the Kiwanis Family began when I joined the CKI Chapter at Austin Community College about 7 years ago. During my first year as a member, I got the opportunity to attend my first ever T -O CKI DCON, which looking back was the beginning of the most meaningful and challenging journey I have ever journey I have ever embarked on. While at ACC, I served as the 2012-13 Chapter President, 2013-14 Distinguished Hill Country LTG and began my term as 2014-15 Distinguished T-O District Governor. I later transferred to St. Edw ard’s University where I completed my Governor term and served as 2015-16 Chartering President. I also sought out leadership roles at the international level; I served as a member of the 2014-15 Publicity and Internal M arketing committee, 2015 Large Scale Service Project Team Leader and 2015-16 Better World Books Service Ambassador. I am looking forward towards working with the LTGs to better serve and support all of the chapters in the T-O District. I strongly believe that my CKI experience has given me some in-sight to help chapters build a foundation for growth and sustainability for years to come. T-Ogether we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Let’s do this T -O!

LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? I am currently attending Baylor University and I am seeking a Mechanical Engineering Degree. What are you looking forward to most this year? Finding cool new service opportunities and helping our organization thrive. What’s your favorite superhero and why? Iron Man – He’s self-made and kind of a bad***. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? I highly recommend that you binge The Office. It’s cool, so if you’re going to waste time- might as well watch that. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I’m really competitive, so if you want to see a new/different side of me then try playing a board game with me. What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? The University of Oklahoma.I am currently in the process of pursuing a degree in International Relations with a minor in Political Science. What are you looking forward to most this year? Working with and meeting the new officers and members. What’s your favorite superhero and why? Superman because he is such a classic and I have grown up watching all the superman shows and comics. He is also a representation of hope which I believe is a very important quality to have. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? A Series of Unfortunate Events and Santa Clarita Diet are two shows I highly recommend that you watch. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I have a horrid sense of direction; I am terrible with directions even with a GPS.

What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? I currently attend the University of Texas at Austin. I am pursuing a Public Health Degree! What are you looking forward to most this year? New friendships! I can’t wait to get to know everyone on board and officers and members throughout the district! What’s your favorite superhero and why? Black Mirror: Breaks required because it gets twisted and dark. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Batman: Without powers, he makes the most of what he has, cool weapons and combat training. The Batmobile! Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I’m pursuing optometry, but an alternate occupation is a kid ski school instructor!

What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? I am currently at The University of Texas at Arlington and I am majoring in Biology with hopes of Optometry school in the future!! What are you looking forward to most this year? Meeting so many new people that are fired up about service. I am all about helping our communities. What’s your favorite superhero and why? Not big into superheroes, but if I had to pick-- Batman because I’m basic What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Parks and Recreation and The Office are classics that I believe that everyone must binge at least once in their lifetime. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I <3 FOOD. I am a major foodie and you’ll always see pictures of it on my snapchat.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? I am a senior at Cameron University seeking a BA in Political Science. What are you looking forward to most this year? This year, I’m looking forward to taking a step back and being supportive of the board from an advisory standpoint, but also continuing to do what I love the most which is serve in any capacity that is needed. Also helping TTU and West TX A&M. What’s your favorite superhero and why? John Cano because last year he always saved the (Robbie) day. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Grey’s Anatomy, duh. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I'm a Leo so do with that information what you will. Also I can’t keep a secret to save my life. Catch me at CKIx, howboutdat? What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? Oklahoma State University. Animal Science w/minors in Acct and Agricultural Econ. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking forward to forming new friendships across Texas and Oklahoma and assisting my chapters in growing while most importantly serving their communities. What’s your favorite superhero and why? I don’t watch many superhero movies, so I do not have a favorite superhero. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? I don’t have Netflix. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? My sisters and I have grown up raising sheep, so they have assumed the position as my favorite animal. I find it very ironic that my sisters’ and I’s initials spell BAA…. Bay, Anna, Autumn.

What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? I am from Cameron University and I am seeking a degree in Political Science. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking forward to being just a little closer to law school. What’s your favorite superhero and why? Batman. I love Batman’s moral code of not killing and the belief that one person really does have the ability to change his circumstances even though they do not possess any unique abilities. To me that will always be inspiring to know that even in the real world a hero can come from anywhere and be anyone. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? I highly recommend Narcos or Mindhunters. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I am a very determined individual.

What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? Texas A&M University at Galveston. Marine Biology Major with an English Minor. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking forward to traveling around to different chapters and seeing how their members get involved as well as helping them in any way they need me. What’s your favorite superhero and why? Nacho Libre would have to be my favorite superhero. From his eagle powers, to his sick ride, to the way he shows his love for little orphans, what is not to love? What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Velvet, Cable Girls and Queer Eye. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I’m a very dedicated and caring person. When doing a task, I give it my 110% and put a lot of passion into what I do. If you do need me, just let me know, I’ll be there.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? University of Texas at San Antonio. Majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration of Math/Science in 4th-8th grade and minoring in Computer Science. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking forward the expectations of growth of members and the service we will accomplished together as a district in CKI. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your favorite superhero and why? The Green Arrow because he is the most strategic/handsome/knowledgeable hero. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? I highly recommend watching The Fosters Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very passionate about helping others and my vision, as a college leader, is to develop a large family-oriented atmosphere with diverse communities.

COMMITTEE CHAIRS What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? I am going now going into my senior year at the University of Tulsa. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and I am also pursuing a minor in German. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking forward to becoming closer with everyone on the board! What’s your favorite superhero and why? I would recommend The Office 100%!!! I love The Office and have probably watched it through 5 times. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Deadpool even though he isn’t really a hero. He cracks me up. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I only joined CKI last year and have a lot to learn, but I am very excited! What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? I attend Texas Woman’s University and my major is Social Work. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking forward to getting know more people in the CKI family. What’s your favorite superhero and why? I absolutely love Black Panther for obvious reasons, he is noble and courageous, representation matters! Besides him, I love Groot, he is so kind and brave and is a family man. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? I just binged On My Block, it only took 5 hours, I say it’s pretty doable. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I love to laugh and to make people laugh. Life is entirely too short for you not to smile at least 20 times a day. What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. I’m majoring in English/Education. I hope to teach English at a secondary school and begin my Master’s degree in Library Sciences. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am most looking forward to planning an awesome Fall Retreat for everyone in the District. I want it to be a time of relaxation and fun for everyone involved! What’s your favorite superhero and why? Groot. He’s cute and he sacrifices himself for his friends. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? I’m currently watching The Office for the first time and I am obsessed. I should have watched it sooner. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? My favorite color is pink and I will try to incorporate it into everything I do! What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? I am a biology major at the University of Texas at Dallas. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking forward to seeing what the District can do as a whole this year--making a big impact on our communities, all while making memories with friends that will last a lifetime. What’s your favorite superhero and why? I don’t have a favorite superhero, because I was always too afraid of the villains and the action aspect to be able to watch the movies. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Ah, there are so many. I guess Parenthood or White Collar. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? One fun fact is that I have a twin sister!

COMMITTEE CHAIRS What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? University of Texas at Dallas. I am pursuing Public and Nonprofit Management. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking forward to bonding with our amazing board this year and for improving the Kiwanis Family Relations of all of our K-Family Counterparts in T-O. What’s your favorite superhero and why? Don’t hate me, but I’m not very into DC/Marvel. I didn’t have much of a childhood. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Sherlock (Though you better have a lot of time handy because each episode is 1.5 hours, TOTALLY WORTH IT) Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I didn’t know what Kiwanis even was until almost a year after I joined CKI. I have come very far now and am happy to say I know what Kiwanis is.

What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? I am currently attending Baylor University and I am seeking a Mechanical Engineering Degree. What are you looking forward to most this year? Finding cool new service opportunities and helping our organization thrive. What’s your favorite superhero and why? Iron Man – He’s self-made and kind of a bad***. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? I highly recommend that you binge The Office. It’s cool, so if you’re going to waste time- might as well watch that. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I’m really competitive, so if you want to see a new/different side of me then try playing a board game with me.

What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? I go to the University of Texas (hook 'em horns!) and am working on a bachelor's in biology and certificate in business. What are you looking forward to most this year? I'm looking forward to a fun year of growth and success in the Texas-Oklahoma district. There's a lot of exciting things happening, and I cannot wait to start accomplishing our goals. What’s your favorite superhero and why? Superman, mainly because I grew up watching Smallville What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Criminal Minds is one of my favorites that I never get tired of! Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I have a dog named Kerbey with his own instagram @quesokerbey! What University are you from and what degree you are seeking? University of Texas at Arlington, I am seeking an International Business and French degree. What are you looking forward to most this year? I am looking most forward to strengthening my bonds with my T-O Board and to grow as an individual and a CKI member! What’s your favorite superhero and why? SO MANY. Top three Marvel Iron Man, Cap, and Spidey. Top Three DC Wonder Woman, The Flash, and Zatanna. What show would you recommend binging on Netflix? Jane the Virgin.. The Flash.. Supergirl... You know what- make that all CW shows. Something you would like all of CKI to know about you? I absolutely love languages, I can say, “I can speak ____.” in approx. 15 languages.

During our Board Trainer, your Texas-Oklahoma District Board decides on set goals. We are proud to present our 2018-2019 District Goals. Membership Goal: 600 Members Fall Retreat Goal: 80 Members DCON Goal: 150 Members New Chapter Goal: 5 Chapters Inter Chapter Goal: 300 Events Service Hour Goal: 8500 Hours K-Fam Relations Goal: 225 Events CKIx Goal: 10 Members District Project Goal: 2 Signature Projects per Chapter Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Project Goal: 3 Signature Projects per Chapter

International convention is the biggest event of the CKI year! Traditionally held in mid-June or early July, international convention is a time for members from all over the world to gather and discuss the business of the organization. Members elect the President, Vice President, Trustee-at-Large and all subregion trustees. Members also vote on amendments to the Bylaws of the organization. Of course, it's not all business. International convention is a time to meet members from around the world and exchange ideas, form lasting friendships and make wonderful memories!

Price: Rate- US$300 (May 1, 2018 at 12:01 EDT - June 1, 2018 at 12 pm EDT) Which includes!! Day of Service and Convention Transportation to and from service project sites Breakfast, lunch, and snacks for Day of Service Meal served at awards ceremony Saturday Background check Souvenirs and conference materials*

Some of your T-O District Board attended the Texas-Oklahoma Key Club District Conference this year promoting CKI to high schoolers! Make sure to let any high schools you know about the FLIP Program!!

#tealtuesday spotlight As part of our Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Project, we encouraged CKI members to wear teal during all the Tuesdays in April and post a sexual assault statistic. This was meant to draw attention to the how important it is to fight against this abuse. One chapter stood out above the rest for member participation and deserve to be awarded!! Thank you to the Chapter for their support and dedication!!

Registration Link:

Thanks for Reading the 1st edition of the T-O Today 2018-2019!!