Twice a month, Sun City Kiwanis members and Key Club faculty advisers Wayne Canino and Pat McGrory travel to Georgetown, East View, Richarte, and Jarrell High Schools. After greeting Key Club students and handing out an always-appreciated snack, they settle into the background and observe as the student officers lead the groups in discussing ideas and implementing plans to help make their school a better place.
KIWANIS YOUTH
Key Club is an international student-led service organization sponsored by Kiwanis. The dedicated 14 to 18-year-olds commit to four to five projects a semester that help them develop leadership skills and a sense of camaraderie, whether it’s by supporting nursing homes, veterans, animal shelters, or children’s hospitals, picking up trash in area parks, or assisting in Kiwanis events such as the Sun City garage sales or yearly house tour. Key Clubbers have even been known to return after graduation to participate.
Richarte High School, an academic alternative school, offers its students an innovative, flexible model that offers self-paced academics. Principal Rob Dyer sees firsthand the impact of Key Club on his students. With a student population of no more than 100, everyone is invited to the prom that is entirely orchestrated by their Key Club. “Their principles of leadership, character, and service embody Richarte’s spirit and prepare students for life,” he says.
A perfect example is Matt Salley (below), who transformed from a shy teen to president of the Richarte Key Club, then on to Lt. governor of the Key Club’s Kiwanis Division 24. Attending the annual Texas-Oklahoma convention, he and 1,000 other students from 200 schools followed parliamentary procedure to run meetings, adhered to a strict dress code, and exhibited good manners. Now the media director for Hill Country Bible Church, he says, “Those first-time life experiences created lasting friendships and gave me the confidence and motivation I attribute to who I am today.”
The Sun City Kiwanis chapter prides itself on the fact that 100 percent of its funds go to the children of Williamson County. Their motto, “It’s all about the kids,” seems to be shared by the local community, who can’t help but realize the benefits of supporting these young people as they transform into the leaders of tomorrow.
The Sun City Kiwanis chapter is not a charter club so membership is open to all Williamson County residents. For membership information or to donate to Key Club, contact Wayne Canino.