june newsletter by andrew

Summer continues! This is a great opportunity to continue earning hours before the school year begins!

Make sure to attend our first in-person meeting in August! There will be a little surprise waiting for you.

ZARA | secretary

Hi key clubbers!! Hope all of you are enjoying your summer break. I had fun at the dog park social (thanks Caisy for the la la land drinks they were yummy)

Anyways, I hope to see you guys in our summer events so make sure you get a head start on your hours!!

RICKY | treasurer

Hey Key Club! I am honored to start my term as your treasurer, and hope I can be someone you can rely on I hope that your summer break has served you well so far and I can’t wait to see y’all attending our future events such as Hot Trot! Make sure to chase those hours for a chance to win a gift card at the end of the year! Can’t wait till see y’all next time! :P

KAYLA | secretary

What's up key club! I hope you've enjoyed the first month of summer break!! We've had a great time at events so far, especially at the Dog Park Social and Melon Dash :) Akira, my pomeranian, had a blast and can't wait for more events to come! I'm really honored and excited to serve as one of your secretaries this year! Be sure to sign up for volunteer opportunities to get a head start on hours! See you in July!

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Hi Key Clubbers! For those who don’t know, my name is Sam, and I’m so thrilled to be one of your editors for the incoming school year! Is everyone enjoying their summer break so far? Remember to stay safe and drink lots of water! We have a lot more events planned for this summer, so be on the lookout and I really hope to see you guys there. Feel free to reach out if you need anything! :)

Sincerely,

Samrawit Bekele

GENERAL ME

virtual meetin through zoom July 3rd!

HOPE IN HANDS PANTRY

What? help restock food and pack

them to donate to people in need

When? July 11th

Where? First Christian Church

TOO HOT TO HANDLE

What? Help pass out water and medals to runners while bringing energy to the event! When? July 20th

Where? Norbuck Park, DART EVENT

ERIKA’S LIGHTHOUSE

Complete tasks from the bingo chart to earn hours

JULY CAR WASH

What? come support north garland key club and help wash cars!

When? TBA, somewhere in july

Where?

SELF DRIVE!

LOCK IN SOCIAL

Compete to see who can stay in the call for the longest. We will have games and check-ins throughout the night to keep everyone up and entertained! Winner gets extra hours!! THROUGH DISCORD

june watermelon!

event highlights

Obstacle of Leadership Obstacle of Leadership

By: krystal

tran

“Throughout my years of volunteering, I have learned that it is a challenging but rewarding moment that challenges my leadership skills. This allows me to develop a sense of how to deal with large numbers of individuals at 5 in the morning or having to shout out names during tt d di ll f th i ide conversations. One specific volunteer experience that s Light the Night Light the Night was a walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that occurred late at night. This event challenged my leadership skills during attendance calling, where I had to shout out names due to the loud crowd that was heading to the event site, which challenged my leadership skills to be oud but still be considerate of the large people who were trying to get off the DART. Afterward, I had to closely monitor our members to make sure that we all got to the site safely without losing anyone I then had to talk with the coordinator about dividing the members into groups; this was a huge responsibility since everyone would be scattered throughout the site. After a few hours of volunteering, it was time to end the night Therefore, I would have to send out an announcement through Discord, our main communication platform, for all members to gather back at the specific location As members start to retreat, I now have to take attendance and make sure that all members are present. If members did not respond during attendance, this would be a huge responsibility as I try to contact them through the information that was provided. This challenged my leadership skills because, as an officer, I am fully responsible for what was to happen to these members. This is more complicated at night since our vision will be limited with such a large crowd. After all of the mess, I will continue to lead the members back to the DART, which is more dangerous than when we were walking since we can easily lose members in the dark. Once we get back to the DART at Garland, I will have to wait for all members to get picked up safely before I am able to leave. Overall, Light the Night was very challenging with the limited vision and the large group; however, it was very rewarding because it allowed us to help honor the people who are fighting against leukemia or the loved ones who sadly aren’t with us anymore This really challenged my leadership skills, but in the end, it was all worth it.

Leaving the Comfort of Leaving the Comfort of Indoors and Cleanliness Indoors and Cleanliness

By: sarah nguyen

Even though it's been eight months since I volunteered at the Tri City Clean-up, the experience remains vivid in my memory. I recall the initial dread of making contact with contaminants but, more importantly, the invaluable lessons gained from the experience. Reluctantly, I stepped up to lead when the event required another officer. In North Garland Key Club, we prioritize having at least one officer present at every event for member safety. Understanding my duty, I quelled my discomfort about venturing through uncertain terrain and volunteered for the function. Upon arriving at the event site, I communicated with the event coordinator and relayed the instructions to my fellow officers and members. Our large group was to split up and trek the unfamiliar landscape to pick up plastic water bottles and other pollutants. As the officers divided to trail different groups, I was left with a group of new freshmen. Following their lead, we marched through the forest, exploring its various paths and critters. Soon, we reached a muddy passage leading to the river bank Despite my prayers, the members chose to venture down the slippery slope of mud towards the sound of rushing water. Cursing my luck, I quickly followed after, treading carefully to avoid the sludge. Inevitably, a few members lost their footing on the way down. Accepting defeat, we carefully made our way back to the main route, relieved to be on solid ground again. Walking behind them, I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at their muddy behinds. Aside from the detour, I learned more about them. Watching them dodge branches and climb over logs to grab a piece of trash, I was moved by their dedication and effort to serve the community. By the end of our hike, we had a bag full of trash to dispose of I also appreciated the change in scenery Listening to the birds chirping and trees swaying in the autumn breeze, I admired the serenity of the wilderness. Volunteering served as a distraction from the stress of being a student and made me feel better about spending my time productively and for the good of others.

Dear Coordinator Dear Coordinator

By: Chris pham

Dear Volunteer Coordinator,

I hope that this letter finds you well. My name is Christopher Pham and I’ve been an avid volunteer for [Generic Event Company] for the past three years. As I reflect on this time, I am filled with ratitude and appreciation for your support hese past few years. Your dedication to ervice has truly held a significant place in my e and has continued to inspire my personal elations to serving my community. You have rovided countless amounts of service hours or my fellow members, and I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks. While the early mornings we faced were nothing short of amazing, I truly would not have been able to push through if It weren’t for your uplifting energy and encouragement. You taught me what it means to be an effective leader and brought out the best in each member. I truly could not remember a moment where you did not radiate energy that rivaled the heat of the Texas sun. Through every event, I saw firsthand the impact you created in the members, and how you deepened our commitment to service. Finding events has never been the easiest task but [Generic Event Company] has always welcomed us with open arms and we will continue to support you whenever we can.

Beyond just these volunteer events, your ability to immediately light up a room has held value in my personal life. You’ve taught me to approach every challenge with a positive attitude and to believe in my ability to make a difference. Thank you for your support, patience, and encouragement. You have not only shaped my Key Club experience but also helped me grow as an individual. I am truly grateful for the time and effort you have invested in me and my fellow club members. I look forward to continuing to serve our community and to carrying forward the lessons you have imparted.

Yours truly, Christopher

Pham

Kindness in keys Kindness in keys

By: jeannie nguyen

Acts of kindness can be shown in several ways among individuals. One of these ways, for example, is volunteering. Volunteers often devote their time to helping out others within a society and those in need; they have the willingness to give, and not expect anything in return. Throughout my time so far as a North Garland Key Club member and officer, I’ve come to realize the profound impact small acts of kindness have through volunteering.

Upon coming to this realization, I knew that I had to step up and help those in need, even if the matter at hand seemed to be trivial to some. In my experience, assisting others when they need it most and seeing the impact I can make on individuals really puts a smile on my face knowing that I can shine through, and have influence on others’ lives in a positive, yet simple way.The Hot Chocolate Run marathon was one of the events that helped me understand this. During this specific service event, members including myself were assigned to help serve hot chocolate and other sweet treats under a tent. However, it was pouring outside the whole time, but runners still pushed themselves on to continue their journey in the heavy downpour, and stopped by our station when it was their turn to. They were cold, hungry, thirsty, and needed the final push to go onward. Seeing them drenched in the rain made me extremely determined to help them. My friends and I put forth the effort to help, and we really immersed ourselves in the role as we also got soaked by the downpour while serving them. Even while feeling cold and gross ourselves, the reward of being able to help in small ways such as this was so worthwhile in the long run. Community service not only affects those that we help, but also it significantly impacts ourselves and the community as a whole. The work itself may range from bigger service projects such as emergency rescues, to smaller ones like helping out at a school event. No matter how large-scale the project may appear to be though, smaller acts of kindness will always shine through and impact those around us!

A quote that will stick A quote that will stick with me forever with me forever

By: yen do

doggy

"I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody." – Lily Tomlin. This statement is a call to action for those who want to see a change to take initiative and make the change themselves. As a member of society, I also have the power to help out and do “something” to create a change rather than observing what is wrong and waiting for someone else to take action. Even if my efforts are not grand gestures, I can still put in consistent effort as an individual through volunteering, such as picking up trash or making sandwiches for the homeless, to help my local community and contribute to the greater good. Taking initiative to make a change, even if it is small, still creates a more profound impact than sitting around and waiting for someone else to do it. Growing up, I always noticed the mundane issues of everyday life, such as frequent littering, and I had always wished that someone would correct it, especially if it is something small that some simple courtesy can fix. When I joined Key Club in high school, I was introduced to volunteering and giving my time in service to others. I still remember this one specific event from my freshman year where we were cleaning up overgrown trees and vegetation in the yard of an old lady’s home as she was unable to do it herself; it was this event that made me realize I am now the one tending to the problems of everyday life for the community that younger me wanted to be changed. Through volunteering, even if it is small tasks, I was able to be the one that made the change for that old lady to have a cleaner yard for her to enjoy. Ultimately, the quote by Lily Tomlin is a reminder that everyone has the ability to take initiative to create a change, even if it is a small one. It resonates with me because it described my journey to falling in love with service and how I have been motivated to become a more ambitious person who chooses to take action to make a difference.

Creating Meaningful Creating Meaningful MMemories emories

By: krystal tran

I joined Key Club during my sophomore year because I wanted an opportunity to meet new people and earn service hours. Over those months of being a Key Club member, I was able to attend numerous volunteer opportunities, ranging from marathons to dog shelters to tutoring little kids. Those opportunities created lasting memories and friendships that I will forever cherish. Some memories of being part of Key Club were the socials that were held occasionally and the funny moments that occurred at 5 in the morning befor the marathon. These socials were hosted for members to get together and get to know each other. This allowed me to make new friends and get more involved in Key Club, whether it was making dog toys for animal shelters or a picnic social in the courtyard, which was filled with laughter and music. I would spend my evening in the cafeteria or the courtyard hanging out with the members and talking to the 2023–2024 officers. We would joke around about how silly the members are sometimes and the opportunities to create new bonds with other members that I would’ve never thought of talking to. On the other hand, the morning before a marathon is just chaotic. Half-woken members and halfenergetic members filled the Dart Station. After the long Dart ride, the journey of handing out water and bringing energy to the site begins. Members start to break off into their friend groups and start holding onto their booths to hand out energy bars to runners. As I started to head to my station, I started cheering on the runners as I passed out medals and congratulated the runners for their accomplishments. These little moments create such amazing memories that I will always appreciate having the chance to join Key Club. This past year of being in Key Club has taught me to create memories whenever I can because I will never get to experience them again, but I will forever cherish the memories that were created. I was able to make new friends through social media and service projects, which created my favorite memories of this school year.