South has its very own Key Club, a student-led organization that focuses on leading and executing acts of service. Just one of thousands that run internationally, the club aims to teach students responsibility, perspective, good character, compassion, and all-around inclusiveness. All Key Clubs are partnered with their local Kiwanis Club. This international club encourages students to view life through a humanistic lens, rather than a materialistic one. According to Mika Dowling, the adviser for the club, the essence of the club isn’t about perfection; it’s about leaving the world a better place than before.
WHAT DO THEY DO + SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES:
In Key Club, members organize fundraisers, help with events, complete service hours, and help out with the community. Members frequently volunteer at Feed My Starving Children, which is one of Key Club’s biggest team service activities. They also perform small acts of service, such as baking cookies for bus drivers, preparing sack lunches for custodians, creating notes and posters with kind messages, and hosting monthly bake sales. This year, students hope to make bouquets for hospice patients, and make boo buckets for children in hospitals who aren’t able to trick or treat this year. Key Club also supports causes like Cal’s Angels, and a football game on 9-19 will honour students in the district who are battling pediatric cancer.
WHAT IS KEY CLUB WORKING ON NOW:
Key Club, run by advisor Mika Dowling, alongside board members and class representatives, has gotten a jump on contributing to Plainfield South and the community. Right now, the club is spreading awareness about Suicide Prevention Month and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Students made posters, brainstormed ideas, and organized how to take action.
THEY NEED YOUR IDEAS!:
Key Club is looking for innovative and new ways to help the community. They try to strive for fun and creative ways to give back that may not necessarily fit the conventional way of fundraising. No idea is too big or too small, according to the adviser; all suggestions are welcome and are encouraged—email [email protected] with ideas on how to give back.
REQUIREMENTS TO BE A MEMBER:
To become a member of a Key Club, you must pay a 20$ membership fee by October 3rd. Members’ Fees can be issued in cash or checks written to Plainfield South High School (NOT MRS. DOWLING). Students are expected to complete at least 40 service hours by the start of next year. Students are expected to record all hours on a log posted on Google Classroom ( Class Code: gyaffsr). Being a member means you have to be committed and attend all meetings.
ANY MORE QUESTIONS:
If you have any further questions, please feel free to email [email protected] for more assistance.
THOUGHTS FROM MEMBERS AND STAFF ABOUT KEY CLUB:
“It’s a great lesson for everybody to have, [that] there are things that are bigger than ourselves in this world, and it’s such a great learning opportunity for our kids. I truly believe it’s going to impact them and help them grow as they become young adults.” – Ms. Smith (Principal)
“Key Club is an opportunity for students to build their leadership skills and character.” – Mrs. Dowling (Advisor)
“[The club] has a positive impact, and it gives our kids the opportunity to give back to the community because it’s a foundation that’s based in service, leadership, and character building. Plus, it’s an international organization, they can continue on after high school. – Mr. Anderson (Activity Director)
“ I think community service is the best way to do it. It’s very fun and honestly really easy to take just two hours [out] of your day.” – Diana Hernandez (Key Club member)
“We like to focus on leadership building skills because it’s really good [and a] useful skill that people can have for the future.” – Trevor Campbell (Key Club member)