By: Mary Grace Courter, Secretary of Independence High School’s Key Club
Independence High School – Charlotte, N.C.
What is Key Club?
Key Club International was founded in 1925, making it one of the nation’s oldest service programs. Because it is student-led, it helps students gain leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Members are held at a high standard; they are expected to come up with their own service projects as well as plan these projects efficiently and successfully. Because of Key Club’s legitimacy, it is recognized by colleges and universities worldwide.
This year, the officers of Key Club have planned several projects. These include:
- Run Jen Run: This is a nonprofit institution that provides financial assistance and emotional support to individuals and families in North and South Carolina who are battling breast cancer.
- The Pulsera Project: Last year, we raised about $1000 for Nicaraguans in need and their families through the sale of hand-made Nicaraguan bracelets and purses.
- Relay for Life: Participate in a fundraiser that raises money to find a cure for cancer.
- March of Dimes: The March of Dimes funds lifesaving research and programs. It works to end premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality.
- Trick or Treat for UNICEF: Trick or treat for spare change instead of candy to raise money for children around the world.
- Hygiene Supplies for the Homeless: Collect toothbrushes, spray deodorant, toilet paper, etc. for the homeless.
- Borrow A Key Clubber: Help a teacher with anything they might need: sweeping, dusting, cleaning, organizing, etc. for 45 minutes in the afternoon.
- Game Day at the Nursing Home: Play games with the elderly.
- KAIROS: Bake a batch of cookies for those in prison.
- School Supply Drive: Donate binders, pens, erasers, colored pencils, etc. to be given to our school’s councilor’s to be distributed to needy students at our school.
- Teacher Appreciation: Bake something for teachers to show your appreciation for all of their hard work.
Key Club meets every Thursday at 2:30 in room 118. The meetings are usually 15-30 minutes long. New members are always welcome!
Membership
Last year, Indy’s Key Club had 45 members. This year, that number has jumped to 60, and counting!
To be an official member and be added into the Key Club database (the MUC), you must pay a membership fee. This is due in early October. If you do not make this deadline, you can be an unofficial member until our second dues deadline in December. Our membership fee is $20. $13.50 of this goes to Key Club International, while the last $7.50 goes into our club’s bank account to help pay for fundraisers and projects. If you are unable to pay these dues, please let an officer know at the end of one of the meetings and they can assist you.
If you attend less than 60% of the meetings by the end of the year, (starting with the day that you pay your dues and become an official member), you will be deleted from the Key Club database and will not receive your certificate at the end of the year (the proof that you were a member of Key Club). If you are a senior and wish to receive a stole at the end of the year to wear with your cap and gown, you must attend 60% of the meetings and participate in 50% of the service projects.
- Have Instagram or Twitter? Follow @indykeyclub_
- For Remind, text @indykeyclu to the number 81010 for text reminders.
Key Club is a great way to meet new people, learn new things, and most of all, help others. After all, their motto is “Caring — Our Way of Life.” Key Club hopes to see you at the next meeting!
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