Winter Sunshine Source

Volume 20 - Winter Issue (Dec, Jan, and Feb)

The Sunshine Source

Official Florida District Publication

IN THIS ISSUE 02 06 07 08 09 11 12 13 14 15 17 19 20

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Executive Messages Running for Higher Office Membership Tips New Clubs Awards and Contests Scholarships Governor’s Project International Partners Youth Opportunity Fund Lieutenent Governor Interview District Conference 2025 Service Spotlight Contact Information

EXECUTIVE

MESSAGES

Governor Alejandro Ganaza Hello, Mighty, Mighty Florida District, Sending my warmest greetings and joyous holiday wishes to each and every one of you! I trust this message finds you basking in the warmth of familial bonds and reveling in the accomplishments of a successful first semester at school.

As we draw closer to the much-anticipated DCON 2025, in the beautiful city of Daytona Beach, there is an abundance of excitement awaiting us on this remarkable journey.

While some of your Zones may have already hosted their rallies, I implore those who haven't attended to seize this invaluable opportunity. This event stands as one of the most pivotal moments in our Key Club calendar, and I will be in attendance. Beyond the enlightening educational workshops, inspiring speakers, and engaging events, the rally will feature speeches from candidates aspiring for district and international office, alongside the election of your next Lt. Governors. If you harbor ambitions of assuming a higher position, I encourage you to reach out to the current officeholder of your desired role. Remember, paperwork is due one week prior to the Zone Rally where you plan to campaign. Detailed information about the campaigning process is available on the website. Please ensure that your officer elections are conducted before your Zone Rally and that those running are active, paid members.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a spectacular start to the upcoming Year! (2025, best year of all? Time will tell!)

Yours in service and friendship, Alejandro Ganaza governoralejandro@floridakeyclub.org

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Secretary Daniela Aguas Hello, Key Club Members!

I hope all is well with school, Key Club, and life!

DCON registration and award applications are now live, so check out floridakeyclub.org/dcon/ for more information. Please complete your club’s Monthly Reports by the 10th of every month. These reports show the District that your club is strong and active.

Completing your club’s monthly report on time will also help you qualify for awards at our District Conference! Thanks to everyone’s efforts, as of November 4th, our District has completed 92,155.43 service hours, with 14,816.30 of those being Governor’s project hours. I can’t wait to see all the service hours we complete throughout the year! As always, I’m available for questions so never hesitate to reach out. I wish everyone a great holiday season, and an even better 2025!

Yours in Service and Leadership, Daniela Aguas secretary@floridakeyclub.org

FLORIDA OPPORTUNITY FUND The Florida Opportunity Fund, also known as FLOF, is a grant given by the Florida District for service projects. Whether it’s creating a little library for the community of building picnic tables for an elementary school, the FLOF grant is an amazing opportunity to help fund meaningful projects. FLOF can supply up to 2/3s or $1000 of a service project and is available for both club and division projects. The application is simple and accessible and Key Clubs can apply for the grant at any time during the service year. Go to the District website for the grant application and information and contact the financial committee at financialcommittee@floridakeyclub.org if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you apply!

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Treasurer Issa Allison Hello, Leaders, I hope everyone is doing well as we enter midterm and holiday season. Here are some reminders as we enter the second half of the 2024-2025 year: Please make sure to pay dues as soon as possible so that your club is considered in good standing and you can become eligible for all that Key Club has to offer.

The Regular Dues Deadline of December 1st has passed, but the Late Dues Deadline of February 1st is still available. If dues are not paid by February 1st, your club will become suspended. DCON registration for 2025 is open! If your club hasn’t been fundraising to attend the District Conference yet, I highly recommend that you all get started. If you need any fundraising ideas, please see the DCON 2025 Fundraising guide. If you need additional funding for DCON, please see the DCON Registration Reimbursement Scholarship due January 1st, from which 10 $200 USD reimbursements will be given out after attending the Conference.

Thank you all for continuing your incredible work! As always, if you ever have any ideas or questions, please feel free to reach out to me at treasurer@floridakeyclub.org. I would love to hear from you!

Yours in Service, Leadership, and Friendship, Issa Allison treasurer@floridakeyclub.org

Editor Willow Young Hello, Florida District, Happy Winter! I love seeing all of your hard work. To my club Editors, I thank you for your dedicated service and encourage you to apply for the Distinguished Club Editor award presented at DCON. Additionally, I want to share your club’s amazing service with the rest of the District! Make sure to fill out the Service Spotlight to be featured in our District publications. Remember to take time for yourself during this winter season and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.

Yours in service, leadership, and friendship, Willow Young editor@floridakeyclub.org

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Webmaster Eleanor Koh Hello, Leaders of the Florida District, I hope everything is going well and that you all are enjoying the holidays and keeping up with service as we transition. I am always here to answer any questions, assist you, or even if you just want to talk.

As you all have heard before, please ensure that if you are a club president, secretary, or faculty advisor, you have had a Keymmunity account created for yourself. Check out the District website as it is constantly being updated! Explore pages like the District Calendar, DCON 2025, the Key’p Up Blog, and more. I urge all of the webmasters out there to design your own club websites and create social media accounts. For creating a website, I suggest platforms like Wix or Weebly; if you need more information, please contact me. Utilizing the resources we have is vital to spreading the word of our impact. Please visit our website for the most up to date information. Thank you all for your dedication to service and to Key Club, I wish everyone an amazing holiday season and phenomenal new year!

Yours in Service, Friendship, and Leadership Eleanor Koh webmaster@floridakeyclub.org

Executive Assistant Rose Khosh Hello, Florida District!

I hope everyone had a great summer! I’ve loved seeing your initiative for the new school year. As workload grows larger, remember to keep having fun! For officers, I encourage you to focus on engaging with your members with fun activities and games, club socials, and service projects! The start of the semester is a great time to get to know each other and introduce people to the wonderful world of Key Club. Maintain engagement not only within your schools, but also at divisional and Kiwanis events. Make sure to reach out with any questions you may have.

Yours in service, Rose Khosh ea@floridakeyclub.org

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RUNNING FOR HIGHER OFFICE Key Club offers many different opportunities to grow your leadership abilities and take on new responsibilities. Continue reading to learn more about taking your service higher!

“Being on the District Board for three years, I can easily say that deciding to run for Lt. Governor was the best thing I ever could have done for myself and my community. Being a leader is an amazing opportunity!”

WHY SHOULD I RUN?

WHAT WOULD I DO?

- District Editor, Willow Young

Meet other leaders Learn more about yourself Take charge of your future Embrace new challenges Help those around you Create an impact So much more!

Why not find out?

There are many positions to fit the personalities of everyone.

Higher office positions available to you include: Lt. Governor Executive Assistant District Webmaster District Editor District Treasurer District Secretary District Governor International Trustee International Vice - Pres.

International President Go to the District Website to learn more about each position!

HOW COULD I PREPARE? Making sure you’re prepared is one of the most important things to do. Here are some ideas to get you started with the process or finalize concepts!

Reach out to the current office holder Observe what you see; think about improvements you want to make!

Write down any and all ideas Run things by peers and advisors Practice speeches and questions Be confident in yourself1

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Don’t Let Your Key Club

!

Statistically, Key Clubs tend to have more issues with membership retention over the winter months. After the holidays, semester exams, and college application season, it can be difficult to retain members and keep the strength through the new year.

Membership Chair Anderson Dell has come up with a few ways to combat this issue and maintain numbers throughout the service year:

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR: By being prepared, your club will be able to stay stronger despite the winter freeze. Make sure to observe your club throughout the year and keep note of what motivates your members. Some questions to ask yourself include: Are certain service projects more popular than others?

Is there a steady stream of projects and events for members?

Are there upcoming activities that will cause time conflicts?

How can I add variety?

Do members feel included?

HOW TO STOP THE FREEZE: Make sure to highlight all that Key Club has to offer! Some specific tips to retain membership in both numbers and quality include: Provide opportunities that vary in time, location, and activity.

Publicly recognize dedicated members.

Reflect on accomplishments thus far and keep track of goals.

Include members in planning projects, socials, and fundraisers.

Participate in direct service projects with obvious results.

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The winter drop in activity and membership is common but can be prevented! Remember to keep things exciting and award hard work. If you have questions, contact the Membership Committee by emailing membership@floridakeyclub.org.

NEW KEY CLUBS Satellite High School True North Classical Academy Cushman High School Freedom Institute Lauderhill STEM MED Want to Charter a Club?

Key Clubs are an amazing way to spread joy and influential service around the community. If you know of schools nearby without a Key Club, consider reaching out to your LTG about starting a charter. Make sure to get ample support from students of the school and reach out to your Kiwanis Club and the school staff to secure advisors for the new club. If all of the schools in the area have Key Clubs, consider creating a community-based Key Club with a local youth organization that meets at a community center or church. For inspiration or help, make sure to contact your LTG to get the process started and reach out to the Membership and Club Development Committee to learn more about how to get the club going. Good luck chartering!

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AWARDS & CONTES February 1, 2025 – Deadline for Clubs to pay dues to qualify February 28, 2025 – Awards & Contests Deadline.

March 10, 2025 – Monthly Report Deadline and last day to make any changes to a 24-25 Monthly Reports April 1, 2025 – Notification to talent contest participants

CONTESTS Regardless of your passions, the Contest section offers an array of opportunities to show your skills and talents.

TYPES Club Project Display Club Poster Instagram Oratory Website Talent Club T-Shirt Club Video Scrapbook

TIPS Whether you’re designing a poster or writing an essay, focus on how your entry reflects service, caring and leadership. Talent and Oratory Contests are performed at DCON.

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CLUB AWARDS TYPES

Shine a spotlight on the dedication, creativity, and service projects of our clubs.

Annual Achievement Report Governor’s Project Kiwanis Family Involvement Major Emphasis Involvement Award

TIPS Make sure your secretary is keeping track of attendance, reports, and minutes. Encourage service projects related to the Governor’s project, Kiwanis, and our Service Partners.

ADVISOR AWARDS

Honor the incredible individuals who consistently serve as mentors, role models, teachers, and advocates for Key Club members.

TYPES J. Walker Field Outstanding Kiwanis Advisor Jack Gander Outstanding K.C. Faculty Advisor Robert W. Thal Outstanding Sponsoring Kiwanis Club

TIPS Make sure your club is tracking attendance, reports, and minutes. Encourage service projects related to the Governor’s project, Kiwanis, and our Service Partners.

STS

BREAKDOWN

Florida Key Club awards and contests are more than just a chance to earn recognition – they’re a celebration of your incredible dedication and passion you have for our organization. This is an exciting opportunity to reflect on your accomplishments, share your story, and inspire others to follow in your footsteps; everything counts. So, don’t wait, get those applications in, and let the world see the difference you are making! Good luck and get ready to shine!

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS TYPES

Distinguished Club Officers President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Editor Webmaster Class Officer Governors Project Member G. Harold Martin Outstanding President Key Clubber of the Year

These awards highlight the remarkable achievements of Key Club members who have gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact. These are a great way to move forward in leadership roles!

TIPS Prioritize quality over quantity, highlight projects where your leadership or involvement made a noticeable difference. Make sure to keep track of accomplishments throughout the year. Take advantage of the awards and apply for each type!

NON-APPLICATION AWARDS These awards honor exceptional Key Club members and clubs based on their outstanding performance; these awards acknowledge and celebrate the exceptional efforts that shine brightly within the Florida Key Club community.

TYPES Club Membership Growth Governor’s Citation Monthly Report Submission Early Bird Dues Key Club Service Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Fundraising

Questions? Contact Awards Committee Chair Alyanna Agabin at awardschair@floridakeyclub.org 10

SCHOLARSHIPS The Florida District of Key Club International offers over 10 scholarships to Key Club seniors! Available scholarships vary from Kiwanis-Foundation sponsored, to recognizing those who have preserved through adversity, to highlighting members dedicated to the Governor’s Project: Lit for Life.

Scholarship applications opened October 15, 2024 and close February 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. All scholarship information can be found on the Florida Key Club website under the Scholarships and Awards page.

To be eligible for any Key Club Scholarships, you must: Be in your last year of high school Been involved in Key Club since at least 11th grade Paid dues and appear on the international member report Be College, University, Technical, or Vocational school bound Have a grade point average of at least a “B” or the equivalent of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (If you have below a 3.0, consider applying for the Perseverance Scholarship) Have an official High School transcript Have a document explaining the community service hours you have completed through Key Club

Mr. Jack Gander Scholarship - Must be in division 1A Ellie Gander Scholarship - Must be in divisions 1A or 1B Endowment Scholarship - Contains three scholarships funded by the Florida District Endowment fund Perseverance Scholarship - For those who have persevered in their pursuit of service despite challenging life events or circumstances Governor's Project Scholarship - Awarded to a college bound Key Club senior who has shown the utmost dedication to this year’s Governor’s Project Do not pass up on this great opportunity for your future and start applying today! If you have any questions about scholarships, reach out to the Financial Committee Chair, Adam Ron, at financialchair@floridakeyclub.org.

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24-25 Governor’s Project

Lit For Life

Each year, the Governor of the Florida District chooses a specific theme that clubs can base their service projects around. This year, the Governor's Project is "Lit for Life" which focuses on ensuring every child is given the opportunity to foster proper literacy skills.

ACCESS COMMUNITY EXPOSURE

Providing opportunities through: book drives, exchanges, and fairs.

Developing strong relationships through a shared love of literature.

Exposing our community to literature through clubs, workshops, and talks.

Remember to show off your service with #LitForLifeFLKC! Those who add to the hashtag will be featured in future publications!

More information and resources for the Governor’s Project can be found on the District website. Questions? Reach out to the Service and Partners Chair Diyora at serviceandpartnerschair@floridakeyclub.org

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INTERNATIONAL Key Club PARTNERS MAJOR EMPHASIS Erika's Lighthouse aims to ensure no young person feels alone in their depression. This nonprofit organization encourages good mental health and strives to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Erika's Lighthouse is dedicated to creating a community of empathy and education.

Key Club has partnered with Schoolhouse to bring free tutoring to thousands of learners across the world.

A platform for free, peer-to-peer tutoring where you can receive help, build skills, and pay it forward.They're driven by a mission to connect learners with safe, equitable opportunities to learn, teach, and grow.

PREFERRED CHARITIES Thirst Project hopes to educate the next generation by arming students with information about how they can be a part of social change, make a difference and encourage others to join in the effort.

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UNICEF helps to provide for children’s needs in more than 150 developing countries through community-based services in primary health care, basic education, and safe water and sanitation.

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY FUND

International

The Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) is a grant sponsored by Key Club International that provides Key Clubs between $250 and $2,000 for a service project.

Grant basics: YOF grants are given only to Key Clubs.

Grants are not given to divisions or districts.

There are two opportunities per year to apply for a grant from the Youth Opportunities Fund.

Make sure to apply before the deadline for the first YOF cycle on March 1st at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applications are reviewed by a Key Club International Board committee.

Requirements: Have Key Club member engagement Fill a need within your community.

Support activities within at least one Kiwanis Children’s Fund cause area: health, education or youth leadership development.

Spend the grant money within 12 months of when the grant is awarded.

APPLY TODAY Visit the Key Club International website to learn more about our partners and the Youth Opportunity Fund!

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Interview with a Lieutenant Governor Div. 26D - Cayman Islands Serving as the Lieutenent Governor of Division 26D, Amiya Tahal, is a wonderful example of servant leadership. Though her Division is physically distant from the rest of the Florida District, she never fails to succeed in her endeavors as LTG and a member of Zone K. Read on to see Amiya’s take on her position and work thus far in her Division!

What drove you to run for LTG? “Sitting at the governor's banquet during my freshman year of Key Club, watching all of these amazing people step on stage with their own story about why they took the role of LTG, made my young mind spark with excitement. Seeing this, ignited a passion for wanting to serve, and build my own story. Being an LTG meant I could make great waves of change in my island and allow other Caymanian youth to join in on that initiative. Becoming what I saw on that stage felt like a call to create a story that I could be proud of, a story of change and service. ” What have you enjoyed most so far?

“Hands down, the best experience I have had as an LTG is meeting the people. From the board, to members, to even advisors — these people are what keep me driven because I serve not only a division but also each member. I feel that with them I feel an even greater drive to push forward in what I do. Meeting people from all across the district who have had many different paths to where we are right now is so intriguing and pleasant. For me, the people allow me to be the LTG I truly am.”

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What makes your Division unique?

“Division 26D isn't your traditional division that is directly connected to a zone, it is an island that has its form and structure. 26D has an interconnectedness that is unlike any other division in the district. Being a small island I’ve been able to connect with people outside of our Key Clubs and encourage them to join. I'm able to have a more personal connection with members that some LTGs don’t usually get to have.

However, this does bring some challenges in some cases when it comes to separating personal relationships and my professional duties. This has posed a challenge at times but is easily resolved by setting boundaries between my Key Club life and my casual life. This way I am still able to have a connection with members while still being able to have an LTG view of situations.”

What projects have you enjoyed overseeing?

“As of the start of my term in April, my division has been keeping busy with various projects. From nurturing our community to governors' projects, we keep a diverse arsenal. Some of my favorite projects that I've done include: making alphabet books for a local preschool, beautifying the lighthouse school by planting green spaces, and a collaboration with Kiwanis involving painting rocks. My favorite project that I've overseen for the year so far has to be making bags for a Cayman crisis center. This meant collecting hygiene products and other items and making care bags for women who were in tough situations. This project was just in time for the holidays making it a great gift and extremely vital for them. Many of the projects we do in my division are hands-on since this allows members to connect what they are doing to the service they are giving, creating a great experience for me and members.”

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DCON 2025

“Service Under the Sea!” DCON, also known as the District Education and Leadership Conference is an annual conference hosted by the Florida District of Key Club International for all Key Club members throughout Florida, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

WHY GO? Celebrate with over 1,200 members Attend fun, educational workshops Win awards, contests, and scholarships Elect new District Officers Expand your Key Club knowledge Make new friends from around the District

Hope to Sea You There!

WHAT’S INCLUDED? DCON 2025 pin, T-shirt, and more Access to Key Club souvenirs General sessions full of fun and recognition 3 nights of lodging Ample networking opportunities 6 meals throughout Friday and Saturday Exciting keynote speakers An unforgettable experience!

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87th ANNUAL DISTRICT EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

APRIL 24 - 27, 2025 DAYTONA BEACH, FL PRICING: QUAD - $360 TRIPLE - $460 DOUBLE - $560 SINGLE - $760

Consider using the Rule of Thirds! That is, splitting the cost so you pay 1/3, the club pays 1/3 and the Kiwanis club pays 1/3.

Check out the DCON Fundraising Guide on tour website under DCON for tips and tricks on how to fund this tropical experience.

DEADLINES: REGISTRATION OPENS - November 1, 2024 REGISTRATION CLOSES - February 10, 2025 PAYMENT DUE - February 17, 2025 BACKGROUND CHECKS - March 3, 2025 Register through Keymunnity once it opens to secure your club’s spot! Unsure how to register? Go to the Florida Key Club website to find an extensive DCON Registration Guide that walks you through each step.

The DCON Committee is hard at work planning an exciting event. Make sure to go to the District website to find lots of resources on how to prepare! If you have any questions, reach out to DCON Chair Gavin DeVries at dconchair@floridakeyclub.org

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SERVICE SPOTLIGHT Warm Hearts, Cozy Paws Treasure Coast High School Key Club worked with their local humane society to create cozy blankets for animals in need. They invited members to bring large blankets to be turned into custom, animal-size blankets for the cats and dogs in the shelter. Club representative Mariam D. Lopez Valera stated that “the turnout [of the service project] was fantastic.” Over 35 Key Club members came together to help with the blanketmaking. Valera excalimed, “It was a wonderful day of teamwork and compassion as we transformed these blankets to provide comfort for animals in need. The dedication and generosity of our community truly made a difference!” This Division 16 club is a great example of a simple way to support those in need!

Spooky Smiles “This Fall, Lehigh Senior High School Key Club wanted to do something extra special for the children at Golisano's Children's Hospital! We decided to create “Boo Bags” to donate to the hospital in preparation of October 31st.

Donations were asked from members, school faculty, and staff at LSHS. Our club's goal was to make 70 Boo Bags filled with fidgets and candy. Our primary focus was obtaining enough fidget donations in consideration of children who cannot have candy. Because of the large amount of donations, we were able to create over 80 bags to donate!

Our partner club Aktion Bolts/Best Buddies at LSHS came and helped Key Club fill up the bags. We also had the opportunity to meet some of the hospital staff upon delivery of the Boo bags and bring joy to multiple people that day!”

- Adriana Vega, Lehigh Senior High School Key Club

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CHECK OUT OUR BLOG:

Key’p Up!

From Executive series to indepth service project articles, Key’p Up is a great way to learn and share Key Club news. If you would like to be featured, or have an idea for a post you’d like to you, reach out to Editor Willow And Webmaster Eleanor!

Find Key’p Up and all of our articles on our website!

CONTACT INFORMATION Executive Committee:

Administrators:

Governor Alejandro Ganaza governoralejandro@floridakeyclub.org

District Administrator Heather Locke heather@floridakeyclub.org

Secretary Daniela Aguas secretary@floridakeyclub.org

Assistant District Admin. Alan Quon alanquon@floridakeyclub.org

Treasurer Issa Allison treasurer@floridakeyclub.org

Assistant Administrator Jose Leoncio jose@floridakeyclub.org

Editor Willow Young editor@floridakeyclub.org

Finance Administrator Steve Leblanc steve@floridakeyclub.org

Webmaster Eleanor Koh webmaster@floridakeyclub.org

Stay Connected!

Executive Assistant Rose Khosh ea@floridakeyclub.org

@flkeyclub

www.floridakeyclub.org

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Florida District of Key Club International Published January 2025