April 11, 2013
News
Key Club continues serving the community As the Xavier Key Club’s year of service comes to a close, it has a lot to show for itself. Over 200 Xavier students actively took part in a year of volunteer work that has made a difference in the Cedar Rapids community and beyond. Key Club members participated in service opportunities of all shapes and sizes throughout the 2012-13 school year, many of which were aimed toward helping children. One project involved raising money for the Eliminate Project, an effort to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. Funds were also raised for organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Kids Against Hunger. Xavier students also led long term tutoring sessions at St. Matthew’s and provided daycare for children at All Saints. In addition to these projects, students volunteered at a variety of events throughout Cedar Rapids. Students assisted at athletic events, festivals, concerts, seasonal activities and more. Xavier’s Key Club chapter is led by teacher Mike Goldsmith. Senior officers include President Patrick Mullin, Vice President
Cassie Busch, Secretary Noah Hagen, and Treasurer Daniel Pape. According to Goldsmith, by the end of the year there will have been about 50 service opportunities presented to Xavier Key Club members. Key Club is an international organization which provides its members with opportunities to do service, build character, and develop leadership. It is sponsored by Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Key Club has over 260,000 members and 5,000 clubs worldwide, and is represented by 30 countries. “Key Club is a tremendous group with which to work. There is no limit to how much a person can participate, and what can be accomplished with a selfless attitude,” Goldsmith said. “As we go forward, I am hopeful that we can find more events that assist the children of the Cedar Rapids-Marion area.”
Senior Braxton Hall reads to children using an iPad during a Key Club tutoring session at St. Matthew’s. Submitted Photo.
3
Junior Mary Esker holds an athlete’s hand at the Special Olympics March 16 at the University of Iowa. Submitted Photo.
Maria Efting Seniors Haylee Schiltz and Michaela Powell prepare a box for News Writer packing at the Kiwani’s Kids Against Hunger project April 7 at the Hiawatha Community Center. Submitted Photo.