T-O Today Issue 4. 2019-2020.

DISTRICT CONVENTION

WHAT'S NEXT FOR T-O?

A colorful celebration for the year's achievements!

District awards, new board members, and more!

T-O is getting ready for a project in the next upcoming service year.

T-O TODAY MARCH 2020. ISSUE 4. TEXAS-OKLAHOMA CIRCLE K INTERNATIONAL. PANTEGO, TX.

HERE'S TO A COLORFUL YEAR WITH CKI!

PHOTO BY JOHN CANO

CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS 03

A FEW WORDS

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STAYING HEALTHY

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GOVERNOR'S PROJECT

DISTRICT CONVENTION 06 COLORCON

COLORCON - 66TH ANNUAL DCON

10 DISTRICT AWARDS

DISCOVERING HUE-MANITY'S POTENTIAL

15 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

This colorful celebration was full of service, leadership. and fellowship! /Â p06

16 WORDS FROM AWARD WINNERS

HEALTH IS #1

COVID-19 Take precaution during this pandemic. / p04

MORE OF CKI 20 TEA WITH TEQUILA 21 YEAR-END NUMBERS 22 2020-21 GOVERNOR'S PROJECT REVEAL

Join us at the biggest CKI event of year!

CKIx20 is taking place at the Flamingo Las Vegas from July 19 - 22, 2020! Early bird registration ($250) is open from now until May 1st. Visit www.circlek.org/ckix for more information.

AWARDS GALA 2019-20 DISTRICT AWARDS Check out this year's district award winners. / p10

T-O TODAY ISSUE NO. 4 TEXAS - OKLAHOMA CKI

WHAT'S NEXT? 2020-21 GOVERNOR'S PROJECT REVEAL Hint: Think green. / p22

EDITOR'S NOTES Hello Texas-Oklahoma!

The fourth and final issue of the 2019 - 2020 T-O Today is finally here! I want to thank everyone who has contributed to my newsletters this past year. The T-O Today is a team effort, and it would not be as great today if it weren't for you. Continue to support T-O CKI, and best of luck on the rest of your semester!

Stay healthy, Mariane Sanchez 2019-20 District Editor

MESSAGE FROM THE OUTGOING GOVERNOR Hello T-O,

What a year! I would like to commend all of you for the dedication and hard work that you have put in. You all have inspired and made me a better person and leader. As my term comes to a close, I am confident that next year will be an amazing one! Thank you for the wonderful memories and service that all of you have given. Till next time, I wish you all the very best!

Joseph Pham 2019-20 District Governor

A FEW WORDS

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STAYING HEALTHY Take precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wash your hands frequently Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds - that's about the same amount of time to recite the CKI pledge (see last page for reference)! Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact Practice social distancing by maintaining 6 feet between yourself and others.

Stay home as much as possible.

Stay at home if you are sick Only go out to seek medical care. Avoid public areas and transportation.

Cover coughs and sneezes Cover mouth and nose with tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw away used tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands afterwards.

Use a cloth face cover Use a cloth face cover when going out in public. It is possible to spread COVID-19 onto others without showing symptoms. Facemasks are reserved for healthcare workers.

Clean and disinfect Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, phones, keyboard, toilets, sinks etc.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 04

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STAYING HEALTHY

THE BEYOUTIFUL PROJECT

Thank you to those who have participated in this year's Governor's Project! Although the year has ended, do not stop fighting the stigma aganist mental health and helping those around you.

Congratulations to the University of Texas CKI chapter for winning this year's Outstanding Governor's Project Involvement award!

For statistics and information on mental health, visit www.nami.org.

GOVERNOR'S PROJECT

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66th Annual Texas-Oklahoma CKI District Convention

COLORCON

District Convention is a time for celebration and inspiration.

Chapters across Texas and Oklahoma gathered at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Marriott North for the 66th Annual DCON to develop leadership via workshops, celebrate accomplishments with awards, and select their new leaders for the district.

"We could not have accomplished what we did this year if it wasn’t for all of you. CKI is like a color palette. If you only use one color you will have a picture with only one shade, but if you use the whole palette, you will have a colorful masterpiece. Thank you for the splashes of color that you’ve added to your communities to make our great district an amazing work of art."

2019 -2020 District Events Chair: Triston Dees For full District Convention details, visit www.dcon.txokcki.org.

FRIDAY FESTIVITIES

Joseph Pham gives Colleen Biggerstaff the Dennis Hodgkiss Outstanding Advisor award.

Attendees gather for opening session.

SFASU CKI poses for the camera!

Photo Credit: SFASU CKI

Bobby Serda gives a speech during divisional caucasing.

Dr. Claude Cunningham gives a speech about growing the Kiwanis family.

Ethan Arredondo sells merchandise at the CKI Store.

COLORCON

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WORKSHOPS & TRAINING

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Sara Al-Midany leads a workshop about CKI at the international level.

John Cano hosts a Club Leadership Education workshop to train next year's chapter officers.

Tristan Adams shares his knowledge on club branding.

Members attend a fellowship events workshop hosted by Allison Macias and Cortney Feris.

Clarence Manglal-lan and Peter Nguyen discuss parlimentary procedure.

T-O Kiwanis Governor-Elect Paul Heinz talks to workshop attendees.

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COLORCON

2020 - 2021 DISTRICT BOARD Governor, Taylor Maddox Secretary, Bobby Serda Treasurer, Brianna Dao Editor, Mariane Sanchez Hill Country Lt. Governor, Alejandrina Elms Metropolitan Lt. Governor, Steve Le Red River Lt. Governor, Tristan Adams

THANK YOU Andy Warhol Sponsor Kelly Poland, Kiwanis Club of Jones Frida Kahlo Sponsor Kiwanis Club of Arlington Southwest Vincent Van Gogh Sponsors Keith Willett, Golden K Kiwanis of Stillwater Steve Peters, Kiwanis Club of Greater North Houston Pablo Picasso Sponsors Bill Carder, Kiwanis Club of Allen Gary Cook, Kiwanis Club of Plano John Curlee Johnnie Miller Kiwanis Club of Austin Northwest Sandie Howard, Kiwanis Club of Sapulpa Our special guests at DCON! T-O Kiwanis Governor, Robin Meyer T-O Kiwanis Governor-Elect, Paul Heinz T-O Kiwanis Foundation Board Members T-O Kiwanis Region 1 Trustee, Dr. Claude Cunningham Circle K International Vice President, Sara Al-Midany T-O Key Club Governor, Ashna Patel T-O Key Club Assistant Administrator, Kelly Poland COLORCON

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AWARDS GALA

UH CKI shows off their awards with their Lt. Governor, Clarence. (1)

Cameron CKI with their award-winning non-traditional scrapbook. (2)

UT Tyler CKI enjoys dinner at the gala.

Lots of members from UTA CKI came for COLORCON! (3) Photo Credit: 1 & 3 - UH CKI, 2 - Cameron CKI

The Awards Gala showcases the year's accomplishments made by CKI members, chapters, sponsoring Kiwanis Clubs, advisors, and others.

The T-O district sponsors a number of contests and recognition programs for these individuals. In addition, The T-O Kiwanis Foundation gives out scholarships to dedicated CKI members continuing their college careers. Thank you to those that have applied, you all did wonderful this year!

Congratulations to this year's district award and scholarship winners!

2019 - 2020 Awards Chair: Ishan Paranjape To view award winners from years prior, visit www.history.txokcki.org/awards.

CHAPTER & OFFICER AWARDS Stan Soderstrom Outstanding Chapter Achievement The University of Texas at Austin Hunter Faubion Outstanding Chapter Improvement Cameron University Howard H. Hendrick Leadership Award - Outstanding President Sammie Chen, University of Houston Outstanding Vice President Tristan Adams, Cameron University Outstanding Secretary Karissa DeBartolo, Cameron University Scott Kimball Outstanding Treasurer Daisy Cossio, Cameron University Outstanding Editor Ishan Paranjape, The University of Texas at Austin Outstanding Committee Chairperson Crystal Truong, The University of Texas at Austin DISTRICT AWARDS

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CHAPTER SERVICE & MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARDS AND CONTESTS Outstanding Service Partners Involvement The University of Texas at Austin (UNICEF, Better World Books) Outstanding Governor's Project Involvement The University of Texas at Austin T-O Hall of Fame Ishan Paranjape, The University of Texas at Austin Tim Clipson People Builder Lauren Berk, The University of Texas at Austin Outstanding New Member Elizabeth "Lizzie" Schmitz, The University of Texas at Dallas Impromptu Essay Contest Roberto "Bobby" Serda, The University of Texas at Austin 12

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DISTRICT AWARDS

CHAPTER RECOGNITION AWARDS Outstanding Membership Development & Education The University of Texas at Austin Patrick Sims Outstanding Newsletter The Longhorn Letter Outstanding Traditional Scrapbook University of Houston Outstanding Non-Traditional Scrapbook Cameron University Outstanding Video Stephen F. Austin University Outstanding T-Shirt The University of Texas at Dallas Outstanding Website University of Houston Outstanding Public Relations & Outreach The University of Texas at Austin Tequila's Meme of the Year The University of Texas at Dallas DISTRICT AWARDS

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ADVISOR & KIWANIS FAMILY RECOGNITION AND GOVERNOR'S CHOICE AWARDS Advisor of the Year Colleen Biggerstaff, Advisor to UTD Chapter Outstanding Sponsoring Kiwanis Club Kiwanis Club of Allen Walt Parker Outstanding K-Family Relations The University of Texas at Austin Clinton Althaus Award Colleen Biggerstaff & John Cano Outstanding District Committee Chair Triston Dees, District Events Outstanding Lt. Governor Ty Aldridge, Heartland Division Outstanding Executive Staff Member Steve Le, District Secretary 14

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DISTRICT AWARDS

T-O FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Photo Credit: John Curlee

(Left to Right, Top Row) Mackenzie Merbach, Stephen F. Austin State University Tristan Adams, Cameron University Roberto "Bobby" Serda, The University of Texas at Austin Ishan Paranjape, The University of Texas at Austin Leon Wang, The University of Texas at Dallas Omar Khan, The University of Texas at Dallas Sruthi Dubagunta, The University of Texas at Dallas (Left to Right, Bottom Row) Christina Tran, The University of Texas at Austin Isaiah Hernandez, Cameron University Leahe Smith, Cameron University Daisy Cossio, Cameron University Lori Embry, Stephen F. State Austin University SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

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BECOMING THE OUTSTANDING NEW MEMBER

by Lizzie Schmitz Photos Submitted by Lizzie Schmitz

Photo by John Cano

Meandering around the student club fair during orientation was overwhelming—the area was a buzzing beehive brimming with the voices of “Hey, would you like to check us out?”, “Take a flyer!”, and “Join our mailing list.” Having been heavily involved in Key Club during my time in high school, there was a lingering curiosity for ways I could serve my community at university. Clasping a fistful of colorful flyers and stickers, I made my way to the end of the final line of tables. Three letters I faintly remembered materialized: CKI. Circle K International - this elusive next level to Key Club, something I remembered briefly hearing about at my last Key Club DCON. A stranger’s hand reached out to shake mine. “Welcome! What’s your name? I’m our secretary,” he said. “We’d love for you to join!” Having felt excited upon meeting the officers tabling and feeling called to continue on a legacy I started in high school with the Kiwanis family, something compelled me to go to that Monday introductory meeting.

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AWARD WINNER ARTICLE

UTD CKI

From the moment I stepped into the first meeting, I was relieved to be welcomed by a kind, close-knit, and smaller community in our club. Coming from a massive Key Club chapter in my high school where it was easy to get lost in the crowd, it was comforting to be in a chapter where everyone knew one another’s name and where every meeting commenced with a pizza party and fun icebreakers. Having been galvanized by our community and service projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this whirlwind of excitement whisked me into a newfound state of boldness and joy with my college experience. Circle K became my safe place to escape the stresses of school, my job, and my surroundings. So much so, I applied for committee chair and had the honor of serving as the K-Family Relations Chair of my chapter.

I became thrilled with the idea of our club reaching out to others across campus in new ways and growing in order to positively affect our student community. After all, everyone deserves a safe and constructive place to grow. Getting further involved in the club’s affairs and new service projects as outreach across campus, I kept this as my mantra. There were so many opportunities to empower people and in order to get people to join in on the mission to serve and grow, I knew that we needed to show that we could have fun with it and be our most authentic, ebullient selves. As we attended my first CKI DCON, I was so honored and thankful to have won the Outstanding New Member Award. I wouldn’t be where I am today, had I not met all of the wonderful, inspiring people I’ve met through this organization. Finding your people truly enriches your life and lifts you up. The most important outcome of this is being able to lift others up when you feel empowered. Be that person for someone. Invite them to a CKI meeting sometime!

AWARD WINNER ARTICLE

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BECOMING THE OUTSTANDING CHAPTER

by Ishan Paranjape Photo Submitted by Ishan Paranjape

The one aspect of our journey to the Stan Soderstrom Outstanding Chapter Achievement Award most people overlook is that our club started off the year in a pretty messy situation. By September, our president and lieutenant governor had resigned, no one had contacted the freshmen we talked to during orientation, and our committee chairs felt underwhelmed with their duties.

However, I was determined not to let 51 years of UT CKI service, leadership, and fellowship crumble before my eyes, and I was determined to do a lot of hard work. I took charge of sending weekly emails. I applied recruitment strategies I learned from a webinar hosted by our International Trustee Tana Early. I used social media to invite our followers to join CKI. My fellow officers saw this determination, and they started to follow my example.

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AWARD WINNER ARTICLE

UT CKI

A month later, our officers worked hard enough to reach charter strength. But that wasn’t enough for us. We set up our own CKI Week campaign to bring in six new members, fundraise for DCON, and set up service activities every weekend to engage more members. Although we were quite proud of our club’s accomplishments by the end of October, we thought “How can we better engage members to attend District Events?” We realized that we were forgetting about what makes CKI so unique. Our club then started engaging members with other aspects of CKI, such as our service partners and charities UNICEF and Better World Books, our Governor’s Project, and our new Key Club partners.

Engaging our members allowed us to successfully embody CKI’s three tenets, but also excel in the areas of membership development and education, public relations and outreach, and Kiwanis Family relations. Reflecting on this year’s District Awards season, we realized that the difference between a club that simply achieves good standing and one that excels is determination. While one determined individual can accomplish a lot, five (or more) determined officers can push a club beyond its limits. By setting a high standard of excellence within the Texas-Oklahoma CKI District, we hope we’ve inspired other clubs and members within our District (including our own) to do what it takes to pursue excellence in service, leadership, and fellowship for the next CKI year. Best of luck to all, and we can’t wait to see you again at our District events!

AWARD WINNER ARTICLE

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Tea with Tequila

Hello~ it's Tequila here! I answer your most burning questions/comments about CKI! Be sure to follow our district Instagram page @txokcki to get all the tea! Congrats to UTD CKI for winning this year's Tequila's Meme of the Year award! Tequila approves!

Entries were submitted via Instagram.

@ummm.bobby_: How old are you Tequila?

Tequila: As old as this district, but I feel as young as you! @elephantom79: Where has Tequila been?!

Tequila: I am resting in my mansion but I recently went to DCON at Irving, Texas earlier this month! @texascki: What three things did you like about COLORCON? Tequila: The people, the food, and the colors! @the.little.saarlander: How are you coping with quarantine right now?

Tequila: Well, social distancing is very hard since I love people! But for the time being, I try to stay home as much as possible and wash my claws frequently for 20 seconds! I definitely miss you all and I hope we will meet again soon! <3 @marianesanchez: What district event is coming up next?

Tequila: Weekend Officer Workshop usually comes first in the new year, but this time, we are planning a special event for those who are new to CKI! @taylor_m_maddox: What divisional mascot are you closest to?

Tequila: Hmm, I really like the Metro Monarchs! Or are they the Metro Mangoes now?

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TEA WITH TEQUILA

YEAR-END STATISTICS Service Hours Membership

3708 310

New Chapters

1

Interchapters

31

K-Family Events

83

WASH Fundraising

$350

2019 - 2020 Texas-Oklahoma CKI District Board Governor: Joseph Pham YEAR-END STATISTICS

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2020 - 2021 GOVERNOR'S PROJECT

by Taylor Maddox

Let's Save the World T-Ogether Hello, everyone!

My name is Taylor Maddox and I am your 2020-2021 District Governor! I have been in CKI for four years now and I can't wait for the upcoming term.

The district board this year is full of extremely passionate and dedicated Circle K members from all over Texas-Oklahoma! I can’t wait for all of our exciting events and activities that we have planned for the upcoming year! Please remember that the district board is here for you guys and that we are here to solve any problem that you may have.

With that being said, I am excited to announce that my governor’s project is going to be “Let’s Save the World T-Ogether” and it focuses on environmental protection and conservation! Thank you so much for reading this edition of the T-O Today and I hope to see everyone soon!

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2020-21 GOVERNOR'S PROJECT REVEAL

MISSION Developing college and university students into a global network of responsible citizens and leaders with a lifelong commitment to service.

VISION To be the leading global community-service organization on college and university campuses that enriches the world one member, one child and one community at a time.

CKI PLEDGE I pledge to uphold the Objects of Circle K International, to foster compassion and goodwill towards others through service and leadership, to develop my abilities and the abilities of all people, and to dedicate myself to the realization of humanity's potential.

Thank you for reading the T-O Today!

TEXAS-OKLAHOMA K-FAMILY TXOKCKI.ORG TXOK-KIWANIS.ORG TOKEYCLUB.COM LEARN MORE ABOUT CKI CIRCLEK.ORG FOLLOW US ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK, AND INSTAGRAM! @TXOKCKI

The T-O Today is a publication from the Texas-Oklahoma District of Circle K International.

2019 - 2020 District Editor: Mariane Sanchez March 2020. Issue 4.