December January 2011-2012
Tex-O Key Service of the month club
No idea what project to do this month? This is for you.
In the Red
How to Run your club when funds are low
Big-Time Broadcasting
Remembe ring
a Telethon for local children hit the jackpot
2011
Favorite Service projects of 2011: a year full of great fun!
ad
Every baby deserves a healthy life. You can help. With a simple donation of $1 to the March of Dimes, you are helping further research to prevent birth defects, premature births, and infant deaths.
y e K O Tex-O Key
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2011-2012
WHAT’S INSIDE
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Your Space
Readers review articles of past Tex-O key issues and let their voices be heard.
news and updates
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International Update
International Trustee Rebecca Riley intoduces herself to the mighty T-O and talks about the latest in the world-wide relm of Key Club.
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December-January 2011-2012
p.13 p.13 governor’s governor’s project project december/january special
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Governor’s Column
Madam Governor Megan Iselin sheds light on this year’s Governor’s project, Operation Overwatch and explains how to earn YOUR patch.
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Letter From the Editor
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Sentiments for Soldiers
Cy-Fair Key Club does a little work on the Governor’s project and send troops something special for the holidays.
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-O
District Editor Kaitlyn Levett’s vision of the Tex-O Key and what you can do to get published.
COVER
Yearly Fave
K
STORY
The Cy-Fair Lock-in is a huge hit and a favorite for lots of club members. Find out just what went on at this year’s holiday bash!
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service partner ad here
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Key Tex-O Key
p.21 bullard high telethon COVER
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Christmas Spirit
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OVER
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K O x
STORY
e T S
TORY
In the Red
Division 3N LTG Layeeka Ismail gives a little advice for those of you who are running low on the dough.
December-January 2011-2012
Bullard High Key Club holds a telethon to benefit the Chidlren’s Miracle Network. See what they did through a variety of photos.
Cy-Woods Key Club helped put meals in the hands of families this holiday season at the C.A.M.
How can Key Club help Eliminate MNT? With syrup! One Key Club does a pancake fundraiser to help raise funds.
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A Project in Photos
Food on the Table
Pancakes for Breakfast
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TOR
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OVE
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WHAT’S INSIDE
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2011-2012
Cy-Woods Key Club finds the true spirit of a giving Christmas while they do projects to spread Christmas cheer.
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COVER STORY
Service of the Month Club Division 5 LTG Chris Brierly rings in the new year with new ways to serve. Can’t think of a project? This article is for YOU!
A Crowd Pleaser
Cy-Ranch Key Club looks back on one of everyone’s favorite projects from the year-UNICEF Trick-orTreating! Funds this year went to support Kiwanis’ Eliminate project.
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T-O Passion Spotlight: San Angelo Central’s Secretary/Editor Rebecca Bingham talks about how a new year can bring new service and new ways to make the world better for lots of Key Clubs in T-O.
Your Space
RANTINGS AND RAVINGS OF THE TEX-O READERS
K
y e
THE TEX-O IS STILL GOING STRONG
Loved the article on Bullard High School’s Key Club Week project! The Tex-O Key is fantastic! Rebecca Riley, International Trustee
Love the Tex-O Key!
I like how there are brain-busters and quizzes that always keep the issues interesting! In addition to all of the great project that are happening in our District, that is. Brian O’Hara
I really like hearing what other clubs around the District are doing! We can get a lot of service project ideas from the Tex-O Key.
I loved the poem from Layeeka Ismail because it threw a new twist on the standard way of writing an article! Also, I love the way you format the text from artciles around the graphics and pictures you use. It’s so creative and interesting to read and look it-- very pleasing to the eye.
Chris Brierly
Alexandra Yauch
Maci Slater
Tell me what YOU think!
Submissions should include the writer’s name, email and home club and should be sent by e-mail to kaitlyn.levett@gmail.com or by mail to 413 Windcrest Drive, Early, TX 76802. Messages may be sent to the Tex-O Key’s Facebook page (Tex-O Key). Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. All submissions become the property of the the Tex-O Key and will not be reutrned. December-January 2011-2012
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Key Tex-O Key
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2011-2012
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Mishaps and Memories
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One Key Clubber remembers her favorite moments of Texas-Oklahoma’s annual District Convention in downtown Dallas.
WHAT’S INSIDE
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y e K O ex Breakfast for Lunch
West Brook High’s Key Club got creative with common kitchen ingredients and whipped up a great fundraiser in 2011.
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YOF (Youth Opportunities Fund) The Youth Opportunities Fund gives grants to Key Clubs just like yours. FInd out how to apply!
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Key Club’s Major Emphasis
What is the Major Emphasis? How is Key Club working toward its emphasis? Find out how you can help!
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December-January 2011-2012
pg. # ARTICLE HEADLINE
p.34 major emphasis
special announcement
Divisional Election Conferences are underway! Be sure to talk to your LTG if you plan on running for a Staff position, and good luck to all those LTG candidates out there!
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Kaitlyn Levett Editor In Chief Megan Iselin Governor’s Column Rebecca Riley International Update Bryce Jordan Chris Larry Deborah Seow Layeeka Ismail Kaylee Barrett Chris Brierly Madelin Cowden Taylor Gossett Rebecca Bingham Roshni Chandwani Maha Aziz Contributed Articles Additional Pictures: Ryan Thompson Derielle Keiser
December-January 2011-2012
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International Update
NEWS FROM T-O’S INTERNATIONAL TRUSTEE
Hello T-O! It’s a great day to be a Key Clubber, isn’t it? But then again, when is it not a great day to be a part of the oldest, largest, biggest, and best high school service organization in the entire world? You guys are changing the world in amazing ways, and I am so proud to say that I’m a part of it! But how am I changing the world? I’m serving, of course, but I’m also working for you on the International level! I recently attended an International Board Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, along with the ten other International Trustees, the International President, and the International Vice-President that make up the Key Club International Board. Aside from having a great time in the Big Easy, we also got a lot of work done, changing and bettering our organization in ways that we hope will make your service more diverse, more attainable, and more fun! If you’ve been to International Convention before, you’ve more than likely been to the House of Delegates, the official voting place for choosing the next year’s International Board and voting on amendments to the Key Club bylaws. Back in the “olden days” (aka up to last year), delegates each received three paper ballots and a pen--so colonial, right? But never fear! The Key Club International Board saves the day by stepping in to modernize Key Club International with new electronic voting systems! At our International Board Meeting, we voted to use electronic touchpads in the House of Delegates for general voting. If all goes well, you should see them this year in Orlando, Florida! Well what else did we do at our International Board Meeting? We approved revisions to the Robert F. Lucas, Distinguished District Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, Secretary-Treasurer, and Bulletin Editor awards, which will go into effect in July 2013. It is our hope that we have modernized the awards so that your service to others through Key Club can be properly recognized and celebrated as it should be. We also approved the expenditure of funds for the creation of a new Key Club promotional video to update the currently existing one. The promotional video will be a great tool for the recruitment of new members and the energizing of old ones once it’s finished, so get excited for its release! Lastly, in what is possibly our most exciting decision, we chose the site for 2014 Key Club International Convention.........Anaheim, California! Make plans now to attend Convention in the Golden State; you won’t want to miss something this awesome! Although that’s a lot of information, I can never say enough about Key Club International, so contact me at rriley@alabamakeyclub.org should you ever have any questions or need anything whatsoever. Thanks for all the service that ya’ll do! Ya’ll truly are amazing examples of servant leadership in your homes, schools, and communities--keep it up! See you at Texas-Oklahoma District Convention in April, but until then, stay serving!
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December-January 2011-2012
rebecca riley
TEXAS-OKLAHOMA’S INTERNATIONAL TRUSTEE
If you ever need to get in touch with me, my email is rriley@ alabamakeyclub. org.
Governor’s Column
NEWS FROM T-O’S DISTRICT GOVERNOR
A WORD FROM JACE VENTERS, T-O CKI K-FAMILY CHAIR Your roommate wakes up every morning to Friday by Rebecca Black. You lost all your syllabi. Your advisor smells like cats and scares you. You just walked on your college seal. Learn how to solve all these problems at the Key to College Webinar presented by Texas-Oklahoma Circle K International Kiwanis Family Relations Committee. It is about time to start making some pretty big decisions, graduating Key Clubbers, and we are here to answer those questions that no one really has the answers to about college life. Join us at 8pm (CST) on Thursday, February 2nd, and learn all about student life, classes, living with a roommate, and college myths! The registration link is down below! Tell all your K Family friends! http://www.anymeeting.com/AccountManager/RegEv.aspx?PIID=EB51DD868946 After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the webinar. See you then!
GOVERNOR MEGAN’S
EPIC ANNOUNCEMENT
The official (WORKING) T-O Key Club Website is LIVE!
Go to tokeyclub.com to check out the new site. There you’ll find information about upcoming events, D-CON, project ideas, your board and staff, and much, much more!
December-January 2011-2012
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Letter From the Editor
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TEX-O
it’s the most wonderful time of the year
W
ell T-O, it’s THAT time of year, again. Time to wrap up old things and start thinking about new ones. It’s a beginning and an end, but more on the beginning side. This being said, Key Clubbers all across our district were thinking about their favorite memories in Key Club from 2011, and they were also thinking of all of the projects that can be tackeld in the upcoming year... if the world doesn’t end, that is. April is now quickly approaching us and Division Election Conferencing has begun, so best of luck to all you candidates out there, and con-
gratulations to all you newly elected Lieutenant Governors! Are you considering running for a District Staff position? Contact your division’s lieutenant governor to find out how to run, and even more importantly, contact the current holder of the Staff position you want and ask them all about their job! Find out the ins and outs of what we all do so you can decide which Staff position is your perfect fit. Lastly, a HUGE thank you to all of the contributing writers this issue. Let me just say, your articles were FANTASTIC. You all have so much personality in your writing, and T loved reading every word that I was sent! THEMES February: All We Need is Love (very personal projects with lots of interaction.. soup kitchens, reading to kids, etc.) March: The Gold at the End of the Rainbow (wrapping up the T-O year and a call to District Convention)
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December-January 2011-2012
December-January 2011
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OPERATION: OVERWATCH
W
ell, there were soldiers away from home. Some of whom didn’t have much of a family; some didn’t even get letters from home, if they had anybody at home. During the Cy Fair Key Club box-in lock in, our club hosted a boxing of supplies and gifts for all the good girls and boys who defend our liberty, along with others. In total, nearly half a hundred were boxed up. Following this, everybody was required to write letters to the troops. Now, I by no means am a poet. Nay, my prose and diction is of a lower caliber, the same grade as my drawings; my drawings are sub-par at the most optimistic of times. I cannot sway the minds of people. I can’t write that you won’t die tomorrow. That would be a lie. What I wrote was from my heart, sappy writings of somebody who is glad that people are willing to stand up to defend their country, as well as the world, from injustice. Many things were given - Food, cheap toys, Frisbees, etcetera. I recently learned of something else. The minute the packages and letters were prepared, the plane whizzed with its load through the bright morning light. It brought the toys; it
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brought back the food for the feast. And the captain himself made it a scavenger hunt and a present giving event. I thought, “It came without ribbons! It came without Tags! It came without packages or bags! And I puzzled and puzzled, till my puzzler was sore. Then I thought of something I hadn’t before. Maybe happiness doesn’t come from expensive gifts. Maybe holiday spirit, perhaps, means a little bit more…” Such a minor set of items brought such joy to the soldiers’ lives. People claim that there are certain things that shouldn’t be hard to remember. Base rules, moral codes, lessons, and the sorts that everybody should know without any difficulty. Yet, we often times forget about things. The most precious of liberties, the most precious of securities, the death of somebody who is fighting for our liberty; we forget all of these things sometimes and view them through a wall of glass as though their lives have nothing to do with ours. No, we can reach them, we can touch their hearts. We can make their day a day of euphoria…. All it takes is a small gift, or just a letter that says, “Thanks.” Feriae felices (Happy holidays)
Bryce Jordan
Cypress Fair HS:
A
Lock-In 2011
s the low temperature gradually slinks in and the stunning decorations arise, one can sense the Christmas bliss in the atmosphere. The spirit of compassion, benevolence, and altruism is undoubtedly engulfing the heart of humanity. However, as the break draws near, I find myself recollect the great donation based service projects that have transpired recently. As I package and swathe the gifts I have for those whom I cherish, I can’t help but bear in mind the magnificent service event in which numerous boxes of necessities and foodstuffs were packaged for our valiant soldiers overseas. On October 21st, hundreds of Cy-Fair Key Club members gathered in the school to stay for the night. As the sun disappeared behind the horizon and light slowly transformed to dark, the mound of donations for the soldiers accumulated at a rapid pace. The massive uproar from the volunteers was thunderous, but the eagerness to lend a hand was greater than anything else. Moments later, the doors to the school were gingerly shut and the Box-In Lock-In officially began. Instantaneously, massive assembly lines formed and an immense multitude seized paper and marker. All volunteers alike were equipped to pack boxes and write heartfelt letters of gratitude to our heroic soldiers. As the night sustained, so did the service. By the time the event ended, boxes were full, papers were covered with encouraging text, and all were leaving Chris with bright smiles on their faces. Larry December-January 2011-2012
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The Joys of
theSeason
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t was cold, dark, and 5:30am. Instead of in my nice warm bed where I belong, I was out in my car, following a printed out Google Map and GPS coordinates to make sure that I don’t lose my way. Why? Well, it’s a little thing called breakfast. Pancakes – to be more specific. And to be even more specific than that – two pancakes, two scoops of scrambled eggs, two strips of bacon, and as much coffee, juice, and milk as one can consume. I think I’ll take some of that coffee now, please. To me, the event just seemed like another important Key Club occasion to go to. But to another, it was an event that changed a life. Or saved even saved a life. Key Club had decided to do a fundraiser for the Eliminate project, to try and eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, which kills 1 baby every nine minutes. Our plan was to sell tickets to the event, and the proceeds go the project. Simple and straightforward. And the thing was, for most people that went, it was just that: an easy way to get hours at an event. But when I look back, and remember how volunteers, served others their food, drinks, and collected tickets, I realize that the key club was not just doing an event, but they were valiantly working together, with the little things that they did, to create big results. From decorating to serving, the entire club was willing and ready to help.
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December-January 2011-2012
Everywhere that I saw, I saw effort. People making signs and waving them around in the cold at eight in the morning, and cheering as cars honked. Others scooping up food onto plates from their giant trays, working in a smooth and efficient assembly line. The waiters and waitresses at the tables were serving customers with better service than I have seen from a restaurant for a long time. Everyone pitched in their fair share, and a few ate breakfast, but the miraculous thing was that the effort we put in turned into money, and the money was going to have a huge impact beyond what we’d have ever dreamed of. It was going to make a difference in making sure another life had a chance to thrive. And that was definitely a worthy goal to accomplish. Deborah Seow December-January 2011-2012
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Running a Club on a
A
Low
Budget
s we rang in the New Year, cheers were cried out, confetti sprayed everywhere, and resolutions made for a better and promising year. Hopefully your club had a great kick-start to the year promoting membership recruitment and countless service projects for your members. At this time of the year, many members and officers start getting lax with their duties and hours, and funds are low in a club having been spending on first semester socials or service projects. With such strict rules imposed by schools for fundraising, it’s quite hard to manage, especially with District Convention to worry about. But have no fear-this problem is common and you can overcome it! To get the year started, plan exciting icebreakers at meetings to get everyone pumped up and rejuvenated. Check out your resource CD to see a list of games your club can provide at meetings without pinching your budget. If you want to have an event outside of school, check out a local frozen yogurt shop. Most stores are willing to donate a certain percentage of sales for your club, and who doesn’t love a cup of sweet, lowcalorie goodness? Try to incorporate a service project at a meeting itself. One great idea is to ask all your members to bring in various toiletry items for a local homeless shelter. Offer a couple of hours for bringing in a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and a comb. From there, bag everything up at the meeting to send off as gifts to the shelters. The project would cost about $5 per member, but would yield incredible results with the amount y’all purchase and pack away. In early March, the completion forms for the District and Governor’s Project will be due. Not only do these projects have a more monumental impact because most
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clubs in Texas and Oklahoma participate in them, but also serve as a unification factor. For the Governor’s Project, Operation Overwatch, you simply need 2 projects. Host a letter writing to troops one day after school, and consider holding a drive for soldier’s needs. If you don’t have the funds for supplies, offer hours to members to bring in papers, boxes, and markers. For the District Project-KIVA, you need to fundraise a small amount to donate. Consider having a carwash or selling candy at school to raise this amount. Your Lieutenant Governor is depending on you to participate so we can have that unification factor in our district! If you want to go out of these projects, consider doing something for the environment. With all the wildfires that occurred last summer, certain areas of Texas are in desperate need of trees to be planted. If you want to go on a smaller scale, contact your local elementary school to see if you can plant flowers in their gardens. Another low cost project is reading books to the youth at the library to the elementary schools. Spend times, play some games, and share the imagination of literature with them to open them up to the Key Club Family. Don’t’ forget to show appreciation to teachers-try writing personal thank-you notes, or leaving baked goods in their lounge. When Valentine’s Day comes around, spend time at a senior center or hospital and deliver low sugar heart-sugar shaped cookies to show that you care. If you have musicians in your club, ask them to perform a short piece to bring some joy to their day. Towards March, many schools with have spring carnivals. Besides providing schools with the volunteers needed, try having a Key Club booth to talk about Builder’s Clubs! The K-Family needs to grow, and the one of the most rewarding projects your club can do is to plant the seed for the K-Family. Additionally, don’t forget about volunteering at marathons, and habitat make over. At this time of the year, it’s easy to get worn out and relax with your duties, but you need to remember your place. If you’re ever stuck for ideas, check out keyclub.org, your resource CD, or your Lieutenant Governor.
Happy Serving! Layeeka Ismail
December-January 2011-2012
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Wrapping Up
the Holidays
D
uring many of the Cy-Woods Key Club events, like the annual lock in or wrapping presents at Barnes & Noble, we have always found a way to spread the holiday spirit to every one that we help. At our annual Key Club lock in, many of the students that attended brought gifts that would be shipped over seas to the brave hearts in war that are protecting our nation over the holiday. By bringing shampoos, soaps, tooth paste and brushes, and sunscreen, we were able to send many necessities to soldiers so that they can feel at home with some of their daily routine activities. At the lock in, we also made cards and letters to the soldiers to let them know that we care and are hear supporting them all the way. Even though we didn’t bring them any shiny, new gadgets and gifts, we brought them the best kind of gift a person can givehope. With this hope, the brave soldiers can once again fight for our nation, our freedom, and our family. At these hectic holiday times, many of us need help for the simplest things, like wrapping mounds of presents. At Barnes & Noble we provided aid to many stressed out shoppers who thought that they could never finish their task without some help. Once the customers rang up their purchases, our Key Club members wrapped their findings in a Christmas fashion with many decorations to brighten up any ones day. So while the customers had a few minutes to relax in their busy schedule and maybe even take a moment to sip on a Starbucks holiday coffee, we spread holiday cheer and a helping hand to whoever needed our help. With all the shiny new gifts and parties, some people forget what this time of year is all about. It is about giving and spending time with Kaylee each other and celebrating a wonderful event. To help remind people what the Christmas Barrett season is all about, the Cy-Woods Key Club members are here to help.
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December-January 2011-2012
Service of the Month Club JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
COATS FOR KIDS
Support the Children www.operationwarm.org
RED CROSS
Give Blood www.redcross.org
MARCH FOR BABIES Support one of our service partners! marchforbabies.com
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
KIWANIS ONE DAY Support your local Kiwanis’s project www.kiwanisone.org
RELAY FOR LIFE Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back www.relayforlife.org
ASPCA Support a local pet shelter www.aspca.org
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Build a House! www.habitat.org
FOOD BANKS Support your local food bank feedingamerica.org
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
TRICK-OR-TREAT FOR UNICEF Support one of our service partners! youth.unicefusa.org
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Pack a Shoebox www.samaritanspurse.org
SALVATION ARMY Ring a Bell or Adopt an Angel www.salvationarmyusa.org
CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK MIRACLE TREAT DAY Support one of our service partners! miracletreatday.com
It’s a New Year! And a New Year of SERVICE! Instead of the “Fruit of the Month Club”, how about joining the “Service of the Month Club”? At the end of the year YOU have served locally, nationally, and internationally! You have donated the gift of life through the Red Cross and Children’s Miracle Network, built homes for the homeless, provided food for the hungry, helped children who would not have had a Christmas, help end diseases all over the world, worked with your local Kiwanis, and much, much more! Serving and caring…it’s our way of life!
Chris Brierly
December-January 2011-2012
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A
Miracle in 2011
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ur local Children’s Miracle Network organization does their biggest push in the spring and the summer. The phone-a-thon and telethon go hand in hand because we raise money for CMN through the phone-a-thon and present it during the telethon. Bullard High School Key Club works a bunch of phones in a big room side-by-side by calling previous donors and asking them to renew their commitment for the coming year. We also had Miracle Makers who pledged $144 dollars for the year by making 12 payments of $12 each. This occurs in May over a two evening period alongside students from Whitehouse High School’s Science Technology classes. Last May our club secured just under $5,000 for our local CMN hospital. In June we had the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon hosted by our local CBS 19 in Tyler, Texas. People who were watching were able to call in and make their pledge of a one-time donation or every month donations. There was also a two minute time period where a local business would help CMN by doubling money donated within that time period. We all had a very fun time in the waiting room and seeing what it is actually like to be on television. CMN commercials were publicized all over East Texas and many of people (including everyone’s mothers and fathers and grandmas) watched when we were on-air. Sarah Geesing said the best part about helping CMN was “All the people we were able to talk to when we were calling for donations, it was fun hearing either how much the people loved Children’s Miracle Network.” We look forward to doing this all again in July. Children’s Miracle Network is easy to get involved with, just contact your local CMN hospital or find out more online on how to help locally.
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December-January 2011-2012
Hospitals
Helping Local
Vanessa Yeley
Kids December-January 2011-2012
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ASSISTING
CYPRESS 23
December-January 2011-2012
D
uring the months of December and November, Cy Woods Key Club volunteered at Cypress Assistance Ministries twice. We sorted the food that the community donated and put it all into boxes separated by type. The food was divided up to later be distributed to the local families in need. When we were there, a family came to get food that they needed. The family was extremely grateful for all that they received and were glad that they would be able to have food on the table for Thanksgiving. Also, the lady in charge of C.A.M. was extremely excited to have so much effort and enthusiasm in helping out the community from our Key Club. Volunteering at C.A.M. is a great experience, because you see the direct effect that it has on those in need. Although sorting the cans isn’t a big job, it plays a large role in these people’s lives. If it weren’t for people who devote just a few hours from their Saturday, the people in need would not be able to get food or clothes. Giving up your spare time helps out these people tremendously. A can of corn or just a box of cereal means the world to some of these people. Lots of people take everything for granted and ask for the new iPhone or iPad for the holidays while those in need are just asking for food for the day. Giving up my Saturday for a few hours to help out is worth the reward of seeing the needy denizens of Cypress getting the necessities that we are used to getting. Especially during the holiday time, Cypress Assistance Ministries has certain things that are handed out to those who come for things for the holidays. Knowing that I had to do with these families getting food on their table for dinner really touches your heart and makes you appreciate everything that you have. The time spent was a gift to the ones who got the food sorted by us all. Helping out the community is Madelin Cowden rewarding when you see the direct effect it has on people. December-January 2011-2012
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What’s In Your
T
he Cypress Ranch Key Club just finished their annual UNICEF box collection and finally cashed money in at a local Coinstar and you wouldn’t believe what was found! Besides collecting the usual and expected American coins and bills, the Key Clubbers also took in tons for foreign delights. Along the crazy “donations” were five Venezuelan centimos, twenty-five Ecuadorian centavos, ten Malaysian cents, one Chinese ren ming bi, thirty-three Euros, a dollar and ten cents in Caribbean currency, six and a half Canadian dollars, an Israeli new shekel, half a Franc, three pesos, ten Costa Rican colones, thrity five pence, two Australian dollars, and a Huong Kong dollar. The types of currency weren’t the only things that boggled the officer’s minds. Over 25,000 coins were collected with 17,000 of them being pennies! The coins added up to a grand total of 1254.96 dollars! Along with all that money other interesting “gems” were found. Key Club members also brought in a couple of coke tabs, some coins from Chuckie Cheese’s, and some unlucky kid’s house key. The Key Clubbers were encouraged to bring the UNICEF boxes while trick-or-treating during Halloween. Some of the candy-givers must have been flustered and confused by the sudden demand for money, and snatched up the closest coinage to give to the Key Clubbers. Even in-school students carried around the boxes for contributions, adding to the possibility of collecting many random and interesting items. The ultimate goal of the UNICEF collections was to raise money to aid in the fight against maternal/neonatal tetanus, an excruciating but preventable condition that results in painful death for new born babies in third world countries. The Cypress Ranch Key Club has definitely reached its goal of helping end such a horrible epidemic, collecting a few unexpected treasures along the way.
‘‘I JUST
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December-January 2011-2012
‘‘
need JEANS
UNICEF
BOX
Taylor Gossett
December-January 2011-2012
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T-O SPOTLIGHT: Passion
T
2012: The Year of Key Club
he coming of the new year brings on new ideas for 2012. Key Club is constantly growing and society is constantly changing. So what more can Key Club do to make a difference this new year? What else can make our club be better and stronger? These are the questions I thought of as I looked into the future of our club. This year I’d like to see a growth in numbers. At my school, we’ve had around the same number of members each year, around 60 to 80. But there are over 2,000 students at our school! There must be a way to attract a lot more students to join Key Club! That’s one of the things I hope will improve this coming year. There has to be many more people who want to help out in their community! We need to communicate exactly what Key Club is to the students in our school. I know we are always getting asked if we make keys. That shows how many people don’t know exactly what Key Club is about, and we need to let them know. As an officer this year, I can say that I have not directly spoken to and met every single one of the members. I think it’s important that we have a strong club that can work together and make a difference. So it is very important that we all know each other. This year, I hope we all work harder to get to know one another. Maybe at the beginning of the year, we can have a social that centers on getting to know one another through ice breakers and such. I also think it is extremely important that all
the officers in the club get along. They have to set the example for the club, and if the members see a board that is not working well together, they most likely will not understand the importance of Key Club. Making a difference. That’s what Key Club is all about, right? So how can we make an even bigger difference in 2012? I know my club does a lot of donating, especially to Children’s Miracle Network, Unicef, and March of Dimes. I know all of our clubs works to support these programs. But do we all really know what they are all about? Why are we so determined to help them out? Have we ever come face to face with a miracle child or a child in poverty? I think getting to know those children will help us to work harder to make contributions to these programs. Service, service, service. It never takes a break! So why should we? Summer is a break for school, not Key Club! Summer is a great time to get some service projects in! Maybe once a week or every two weeks! Facebook is a great way to keep in contact with members during the summer and letting them know when upcoming projects are! My club participates in a few projects over the summer. Plus, it helps out clubs when it comes to ranking. So hopefully this 2012 summer, Key Club will keep rolling! I hope this 2012 year our Texas-Oklahoma District grows stronger and better. Key Club is amazing and more people need to know about it. These are my ideas for the 2012 year. What are yours?
Rebecca Bingham
San Angelo Central Key Club Secretary/Editor
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December-January 2011-2012
ADVENTURES, AND NOT-SO-FUNNY-AT-THEMOMENT-BUT-FUNNY-NOW MEMORIES THE MISHAPS,
OF AN AMAZING TRIP.
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t all began on an unsuspecting afternoon... After a day of forums and voting, it was finally time to wind down and relax. It was the moment that possibly the entire convention was waiting for. It was time to BOOGIE! Well, more properly called, it was time for the formal dance. As we all made our way down to the ball room, one of my roommates went back up to the room because she was tired. Undeterred by her unwillingness to join the party, the entire Cy-Falls Key Club mingled with other Key Clubs and got our "groove" on. Unfortunately, some of my roommate's fatigue had rubbed off on me, and I left the party early. When I got back up to the room, I realized I had lost my key. After incessantly knocking on the door to no avail, I moseyed my way down to the lobby for a new key. Thankfully, the lady at the front desk handed me the new key relatively quickly, so I scurried up to my room. As I opened the door, I saw my roommate sitting on the bed blasting some music. She was in there all along. When I asked her why she didn't open the door, she responded with a simple, "You knocked?" Deciding not to press the issue, I grabbed my stuff and went to take a quick shower. While I was in the shower, my roommate left the room and forgot her key. She tried knocking on the door, but I couldn't hear her because the water was on. As a result, she had to wait outside for about 30 minutes. Almost all of the representatives from the Cy-Falls Key Club were standing outside my room, trying to get me to open it. Revenge, although unplanned and not Roshni deliberate, is pretty funny Chandwani
December-January 2011-2012
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Pancakes for Lunch
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n December 15th after school, clubbers stayed late to help make pancake batter. Key Club teamed up with Mrs. Pirtle and Quest Club to raise some money for the clubs. They planned on making the batter on the 15th, then selling the pancakes first period on the 16th, the last Friday before winter break. The clubbers used just-add-water pancake mix and also set up the area that they would be selling the pancakes. Once they had prepared the two bags of mixes, the clubbers stored the mix and cleaned up the area. The next day, clubbers arrived before school started to set up for the first period selling time. They were only selling during first period so the clubbers wanted to get all the pancakes cooked and sold as soon as possible so they could clean up second period. Students eagerly bought and ate the delicious pancakes, which were also served with sausage and fruits. After the clubbers cleaned up and put away all the supplies, they returned to their classes, but not without a hearty thank you from Mrs. Pirtle. In all, the pancake fundraiser raised $170. Key Club and Quest Club split the money, getting $85 each. The clubs are thinking about making this a regular fundraiser since it was easy and provided and simple way to raise money. Clubbers enjoyed making pancakes and getting out of class, so they are Maha hoping that the clubs make this a regular project. Aziz
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December-January 2011-2012
learn more at www.kiva.org
August 2011
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August 2011
KEY CLUB’S MAJOR EMPHASIS “Children: Their Future, Our Focus”
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n 1946, Key Club International challenged all Key Clubs and members to focus energies on making an international impact. This program still is followed today through the Major Emphasis: “Children: Their Future, Our Focus.”
To fulfill the mission of the Major Emphasis, Key Club International serves children in many ways. Members participate in the hands-on service initiative, currently The Eliminate Project, and fundraise for Key Club International’s partner organizations: Children’s Miracle Network, March of Dimes and UNICEF.
December-January 2011-2012
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Kait Levett T-O District Editor Phone: (325) 203-0632 Email: kaitlyn.levett@gmail.com Skype: kait.levett Facebook: Kaitlyn Levett
KEY CLUB Texas-Oklahoma District Key Club International