Townsend Harris Key Club | March Newsletter | Issue No. 01 | 2021-22

TOWNSEND HARRIS KEY CLUB

Key Club MARCH ISSUE MARCH 2021 | ISSUE NO. 01 | Created By Erica Jin Bulletin Editor '21 - '22

TABLE OF

CONTENTS FAREWELLS FROM THE '20-'21 EXECUTIVE BOARD

03-06

F a r e wel l s f r o m E s t h e r D a i ( ' 2 0 -' 2 1 P r e si d en t) , C h r i s t i n e K i m ( ' 2 0 -' 2 1 Vi c e P r e si d en t) , N a n c y Ji a n g ( ' 2 0 -' 2 1 S e c r e t a r y ) , a n d Da r r en L eo n g ( ' 2 0 -' 2 1 We b ma s t e r )

GREETING TO THE '21-'22 EXECUTIVE BOARD

07-10

Gr e e ti n g to J u st i n L e e ( ' 2 1 -' 2 2 P r e s i d e n t ) , Av a r y K wa i ( '2 1 -' 2 2 Vi c e P r e s i d e n t ) , Me l i n d a Wa n g ( ' 2 1 -' 2 2 S e c r e t a r y ) , K a t e E ste vez ( '2 1 -'2 2 T r e a s u r e r ) , E r ic a L e e ( ' 2 1 '2 2 Web mi str es s ) , a n d E r i c a Ji n ( ' 2 1 -' 2 2 Bu l l eti n E d i to r )

MARCH 2021 KEY CLUB EVENTS

11-22

S u c h a s F r eer i ce , S mi t h s o n i a n D i gi t a l Vo l u n teer s, P r o j e c t Gi v i n g T h a n k s , S e n d a N o te o f H o p e, Qu e e n s Me mo r y C o v i d -1 9 P r o j ec t, P r o j ect As p i r e 2 I n s p i re , T h i r s t P r o j ec t C a mp a i gn a n d mo r e

'21-'22 BOARD OFFICERS CONTACT INFORMATION

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I n c l u d es th e c o n t a c t i n f o ( s u c h a s p h o n e n u mb er , ema i l , a n d I n s t a gr a m) o f a l l t h e 2 0 2 1 -2 0 2 2 b o a r d o f f i c e r s

L E T T E R

F R O M

T H E

editor Hey Key Clubbies!!

I am beyond thrilled to serve as your bulletin editor for the 2021-2022 Key Club cabinet!

Welcome to the first newsletter of the service year, and thank you for taking your time to read it <3 I appreciate it!

While making this newsletter, I realized how much Key Club has helped progress me as a person – both mentally and physically. Waking up early on the weekends to attend rallies, cleaning up parks, and just giving back to the community has become one of the most memorable parts of my Townsend Harris experience. I remember meeting Sharon Li (‘19-’20 Vice President) at the Townsend Harris open house and signing up for Key Club immediately; little did I know, I might be introducing future incoming freshmen to join. Though volunteering inperson is difficult during COVID-19, I hope you guys find interest in the numerous online events. Feel free to reach out anytime if you have any questions or concerns... I’m on my phone 25/8 anyways. Whether you join Key Club or any other service organizations, you are helping to make a difference. Happy Clubbing KEYuties!

Yours in Service, Erica Jin

Erica Jin Bulletin Editor ‘21-’22

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PRESIDENT'S

farewell

Hello to all my Key-uties!!!

This year has been so so different from what we all imagined, but it was no less fun and fulfilling, because we got to challenge it with all of you guys. To all my fellow seniors: thank you for embarking on this amazing journey with me, I hope that Key Club has transpired the joy in servicing all of you, and I sincerely wish that we will all continue volunteering throughout the rest of our lives.

To all my juniors and sophomores: the Key Club you all know was not like the Key Club this year, and although we weren’t able to attend any in-person events, you all made Key Club still the most worthwhile.

To all my freshmen: I know you guys don’t know why we always tell you all that next year will be better, that Key Club is usually a lot more interactive, but it is true. Thank you for believing in us, and I can confidently say that all of Key Club is excited to show you just what fun you have been missing out on in our following years. To my amazing VicePresident Christine and amazing secretary Nancy: thank you so much for the past 4 years, and for always trusting me and supporting me, helping me to create the best version of Key Club Townsend has to offer. And finally, to my amazing cabinet board: I believe in you. I am so excited to see how amazing Key Club is going to be, and I believe that you all will exceed all of my expectations.

When I hear Key Club, I think of each and every one of you, everyone that I’ve talked to in events, everyone that I’ve responded to by email, and everyone of you that I see come to our meetings. My journey here has ended, but I will continue to support you guys and continue to volunteer, and I will always remember the biggest, best club in our school and in our division: Townsend Harris’ Key Club.

With Love,

Esther Dai

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Esther Dai President ‘20-’21

VICE PRESIDENT'S

farewell

Hi Key Club, It’s Christine, your Vice President. I guess this will be my last message to you guys.

I’m greatly disappointed that I’ll end my service without seeing you guys in person or going to events together. I’ve been in Key Club since freshman year and I’ve also held the secretary, treasurer, and VP positions so it still hasn’t fully hit me that this is my last year in Key Club. I know that with the whole pandemic, it’s hard to fully appreciate Key Club for what it truly is, but I hope that I was at least able to play a small part in bringing out your love for this community.

When I first joined Key Club, I thought it would be a way for me to give back to the community, but I’ve received so many things from this club as well, whether it be friends, fun memories, or the ability to take the subway without getting lost. I was also able to develop my leadership and cooperation skills through working with my wonderful cabinet members. I would like to thank all of you for these valuable experiences.

For the new members, I welcome you to the club! I trust that Avary will be carrying out this position well and be an even better Vice President than I was. I hope that you will all continue to participate in our activities and keep our club alive at THHS. I may be retiring from my position, but I am always here to help anyone with anything, Key Club related or not. Don’t be afraid to reach out to me!

Thank you for an amazing four years.

Yours In Service, Christine Kim

Christine Kim Vice President ‘20-’21

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SECRETARY FAREWELL Hii guys!

I just wanted to say thank you so much for being here this year! Because of covid our club was very limited yet all of you guys still participated in this club and allowed us to stay so active.

Starting from being just a freshman who didn’t even know why I was in this club to today I have learned so much. Like many of you I joined this club because I was told I needed to earn community service hours and this club offered plenty of opportunities. Without realizing I started to go to events not because of the hours but because of how fun the experience was.

I made so many friends through this club that I may have never made because we would have never met. I hope that you guys will still be dedicated to Key Club when we return back to school this way you can also make great memories! The four years in this club is something I won’t forget and I hope that as the secretary I did my job well and made your lives easier too! Although now I am no longer the secretary, I’ll still be in this school for the next three months so feel free to reach out to me about anything. I’m very welcoming :) In Love and Service, Nancy Jiang

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Nancy Jiang Secretary '20-'21

WEBMASTER FAREWELL

Hey Key Clubbers!!

Even though I won’t be on board this year, I’ll return next year as a member.

I’m super excited for Justin and Avary to lead next year along with our next additions and I hope you guys can be patient with them. I know how hard it can be to adjust with all the chaos going on. To all the freshmen, please continue to bare with us because I can promise you that the in-person events are so much more fun. Try not to skip events like Light the Night because those are what made Key Club such a big part of my high school experience.

Like most of you guys, I joined Key Club because I wanted to get hours but I was able to find some of my closest friends in here. Bonding with friends at events will be one of the things I will never forget even when I get to college. In my short time as a cabinet member, I’ve learned that each of you guys are unique and amazing in your own way. Please don’t be afraid to utilize your potential and creativity. Love y’all!

Yours Truly,

Darren Leong

Darren Leong Webmaster '20-'21

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G G R E E T N G G R R E E E E T T III N N G G

T T O T O O

T T H E T H H E E

president Hey key clubbers!

I hope you all are having a great year! Good luck to all of you who are also taking exams in the upcoming weeks! I am really thrilled to lead the club for the 2021-2022 school year. I’m really grateful to be your next president and happy to lead the club I’ve been a part of since freshman year. I remember joining Key Club for one goal and one goal only: getting hours. However, the more events I went to, the more amazing people I met, and the more I realized how fun it is to be a part of something this connected. Even during events where I had to wake up super early and I wasn’t feeling it, I always ended up saying to myself “I’m glad I went” by the end of it.

I was never the most attentive person during events either and I remember getting lost a couple of times as well. But even if I did get lost or fall behind, there was never a moment where I actually felt unhappy or bored. I was surrounded by so many awesome people and each event ended up being an amazing time. Moreover, helping out the community through events such as the “Bubble Tea Festival” and “NYSOM” always left me with a sense of fulfillment and that feeling was even better when I had fun doing it.

I admired the president for being able to keep everything organized and making this such a great club. I realize now that it’s not the president or the board that makes this club flourish but the members themselves. From the more reserved members to the maybe a little too excited members, this club is built on that energy of having fun while giving back to the community. It seems that I still have a lot of improving to do but I'm sure I’ll make mistakes and evolve with the rest of the club. I hope that the club and all its members can grow stronger and I’ll do everything to support that journey.

Yours In Service, Justin Lee

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Justin Lee President '21-'22

vice president Hey Key Clubbers!

I am so thrilled to serve you all as Vice President for the ‘21-‘22 service year. I cannot believe that it will be my last year serving, and that it arrived so soon.

When I first joined key club, I didn’t expect my life to be so enlightened and changed. However, through waking up as early as 6 A.M. and going to the city to attend Walk to Cure Lupus (where I literally met my best friend but didn’t know it at the time); beautifying Elmhurst park (my local park) and packaging leaves into bags on “It’s My Park Day”; to supporting runners and launching magical, blue powder onto their shirts (and leaving the event as a whole smurf), I have made some of my most fond memories through Key Club.

I have learned so many ways to serve the community through being in this club for 3 years now, and never anticipated to gain the leadership skills and confidence I do now. I have learned the importance of embodying our club’s four core values—leadership, character building, caring, and inclusiveness—and have realized I have found a forever home in Key Club. Serving others will always be a priority of mine, and I’m so honored to be able to share my experience of serving with you all. Although being in quarantine and not being to attend events in real life took a mini hit at my passion for key club, seeing you guys work so tirelessly at gaining hours truly inspired me and helped me regain my spark. Through all the questions you guys asked me, donations made, to all the hours you all claimed this year, I can confidently say Townsend has the most devoted Key Clubbers in Division 8–kudos to you all (especially the freshmen)! I am so happy to see this club grow so much and continue to do so. I hope to make you guys proud as Vice President, and promise to do my best and bring it for this year. I am so excited to serve with the new board, and further our mission in promoting caring as a way of life. I really hope to meet some of you through in-person events, and hopefully have Key Club impact you all so immensely like it did for me. Here’s to serving others! Let’s make the ‘21-‘22 service year the best one yet! As always, contact me or any board member if you ever need anything! We are all here for you! I love y’all so much and will always stand by this club. <3 Yours In Service, Avary Kwai

Avary Kwai Vice President '21-'22

8

secretary Hi everyone!

My name is Melinda and I’ll be the secretary of Key Club for the 2021-2022 school year. I’m super excited to be involved in community service and help out where my assistance is needed. I love listening to music and binge watching Netflix. If you ever need help with anything, I’m always here!

Yours In Service, Melinda Wang Melinda Wang Secretary '21-'22

treasurer

Hi everyone!

My name is Kate Estevez and I’m so excited to serve as the next Treasurer of Key Club! I have loved Key Club and everything it stands for ever since the first meeting I attended as a freshman so I am excited and grateful to actually serve on the cabinet this upcoming year. I also look forward to collaborating with the rest of the board to make this service year one of the best ones yet! Thank you :) Yours In Service, Kate Estevez

9

Kate Estevez Treasurer '21-'22

webmistress Hey KEYuties!

My name is Erica Lee and I'm honored to be your Webmistress for the next service year :D I’m looking forward to creating an user-friendly website, managing our social media platforms, and most importantly, establishing close connections with y’all! I will always have my DMs open if you ever need to talk about anything, club-related or not. If I don't respond immediately, I'm most likely crying about a KDrama or fueling my avocado bagel addiction. Let’s have a great year together :)

Yours In Service, Erica Lee Erica Lee Webmistress '21-'22

bulletin editor Hey Key Clubbers!

You're probably tired of me talking but I'm delighted to be the next bulletin editor. As the bulletin editor, I will be creating the monthly newsletter and compiling YOUR reflections.

So don't mind me hopping into your DMs :) My socials are always open to any questions, concerns, or life in general. Let's have an unforgettable service year together!

Yours In Service, Erica Jin Erica Jin Bulletin Editor '21-'22

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#STOP AS "IT WASN’T ANYTHING UNUSUAL TO SEE FLUSHING LIBRARY FILLED WITH PEOPLE, AS THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR KEY CLUB MEETING SPOT FOR DIVISION 8. HOWEVER, WHEN I ATTENDED THE RALLY, THE WHOLE AREA WAS FILLED WITH SUPPORTERS. AS AN ASIAN AMERICAN FEMALE, IT WAS SO EMPOWERING AND HEARTWARMING TO SEE PEOPLE OF ALL RACES AND VARIOUS AGES CHANTING, “STOP ASIAN HATE!” AND “WE BELONG.” I CERTAINLY HOPE EVERYONE CAN ATTEND AN ANTIASIAN HATE RALLY/MARCH, AND TO HELP SPREAD AWARENESS AND SUPPORT FOR THIS MOVEMENT" - ESTHER DAI (CLASS OF 2021)

11

A BETTER COLL FAMILIES TO SUPPORT THE SPA SHOOTING OF THEM OF A WERE ENCOU “STOP ASIAN (WHER

**NOT A KEY CLUB EVENT, BUT

SIAN HATE

LEGE POINT CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INVITED STUDENTS AND O RALLY AGAINST ASIAN HATE. HARRISITES UNITED TO E AAPI COMMUNITY AND GRIEVE THE RECENT ATLANTA G THAT LEFT 8 PEOPLE DEAD, 7 OF THEM WOMEN, AND 6 ASIAN DESCENT. EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED THE RALLY RAGED TO MAKE SIGNS INCLUDING MESSAGES SUCH AS N HATE” AND TO BRING A FLOWER FOR THE CEREMONY RE THEY DROPPED FLOWERS INTO THE WATER).

T A TOWNSEND HARRIS EVENT

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FREERICE

Freerice is an ad-supported, free-toplay website and mobile application that allows players to donate rice to families in need by playing a multiplechoice quiz game. For every question the user answers correctly, 1 grain of rice is donated via the United Nations World Food Programme.

le to I was ab if I cause ent be e even rice ev rtunat ee fo rice fr ss ee e le fr do are g in th ose to ly rtakin ies that enient us, I ch yed pa countr nv Th jo r . co te en he it ot "I do ly dona morals and ople in finitely direct help pe ould de the new ith my w able to w I t d l. no was after aligne s as wel er" dious like it e hour t answ a bit te e I felt ec servic as rr us y w it co ca 23) be un per gh it ss of 20 e comm 1 grain , althou ng (Cla gave m Ya ly gave xt year on ne ry n it - Ga it agai where te da up

"I’d say th at took prett I liked the free ric y also cont long, it was both e event a lot :) Alth rib a ou - Lily Yang ute to such an im good way to get ho gh it portant ca ur (Class of 2024) use. I’d do s and it again

13

"

HELP

MAKE

HISTORICAL

BIODIVERSITY

DATA

DOCUMENTS

MORE

AND

ACCESSIBLE

JULIA XIA

STEPHANIE ZHANG

Class of 2023

Class of 2024

"Smithsonian digital volunteers

"Well I participated in the

was a very interesting event. It

Smithsonian event because of the

was a little difficult to grasp at

hrs but I also wanted to be

first because of all the

involved with helping others being

instructions and specific

able to learn more about our

formatting they required, but

history. Deciphering each message

once I got the hang of it, it

was relatively easy which was nice

wasn’t too bad. I enjoyed looking

and I also learned some new things

at the old documents, and it was

so I'd definitely do it again"

great that I was able to help preserve them for the future.

Since this is an ongoing event, I would gladly do it again!"

14

PROJECT GIVING THANKS

Project Giving Thanks aims to spread words of 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 to essential workers in this time of crisis. They truly show that even high schoolers can help create a positive impact on communities and organizations, despite not being on the front lines themselves! Project Giving Thanks aims to thank essential workers not only locally, but potentially nationally!

"Project GivingThanks, with the aim to send messages of thanks to essential workers, lets these workers know that we appreciate all the risks they’re taking during this pandemic to help society run as smoothly as it can, which is the

"I really enjoyed participating in

reason I chose to participate with this

the Project GivingThanks event

platform. I admire Project ThanksGiving’s

because it gave me the opportunity

goal to spread positivity to these

to thank the healthcare and

essential workers, including healthcare

essential workers that have been

workers, grocery workers, first

incredibly helpful and inspiring

responders, educators, and others, so

during these uncertain times. They

that they know that their impacts on

have been so brave and dedicated

society are significant and do not go

to serving their communities, so I

unnoticed. Not only am I going to

would definitely do this again to

continue participating in this project,

show my appreciation" - Madeline

but I also encourage others to do the

Cannon

15

(Class of 2023)

same!" - Rishima Pokharel

(Class of 2023)

SEND A NOTE OF HOPE Write a note to a mom or dad to be or to a family with a baby currently in the NICU. Sharing your advice, experience and words of encouragement.

OR A note to healthcare providers, nurses, and staff who are on the frontlines making sure that moms and babies are receiving the best possible care.

"When searching for something to do, completing service hours, or even joining a school meeting, Send A Note of Hope really spoke out to me.

Writing letters to people who constantly save our lives by putting their own at risk is something everyone should have the chance to do. I really enjoyed talking to the people who keep me safe every day, even if it was just writing a simple letter. Hence, I encourage everyone to participate in the "Send A Note Of Hope," because getting the chance to thank and talk with the people saving you is a chance that not everyone gets!"

- Ioanna Giannopoulou (Class of 2024)

16

QUEENS MEMORY C

THE QUEENS MEMORY COVID-19 PROJECT, A BOR QUEENS COLLEGE LIBRARY AND QUEENS PUBLIC LIB AND DOCUMENTATION OF LIFE IN THE EPICENTE TESTIMONY, PHOTOGRA

MATT Class of 2022

Task: Write about how you, your loved ones, and community are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and include pictures of your experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

17

"For the Que sponsored b Library, it se between wha when NYC, sp world's epice the spring of present day. very significa not forget th and a year la Memory Proj curated cont Especially if t would definit with many m

COVID-19 PROJECT

OUGH-WIDE ARCHIVING CAMPAIGN INITIATED BY BRARY, WILL BE COLLECTING FIRST PERSON STORIES ER OF THE PANDEMIC. THE PUBLIC CAN SUBMIT APHS, AND DOCUMENTS!

HEW MERINO

eens Memory Project event y the Queens Public rves as an archive of at our lives were a year ago, pecifically Queens, was the enter of COVID-19 during f 2020, and currently in the While we have progressed antly since then, we must he events that unfolded then ater, and the Queens ject preserves the selftent for future generations. this situation is ongoing, I tely do this event again, more stories to tell"

QUINDY PAN Class of 2023 "I participated because I wanted to share my COVID-19 experience and make others feel like they aren’t the only one going through it. However, I didn’t really like how they didn’t let me view my response or give me enough time to take a screenshot for proof of completion"

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Project 2 Ins

Project Aspire 2 Inspire is a student led non-p out others and betting the community! A v problems and stress placed on communitie include COVID-19 Fabric Masks Project, COV Mutual Aid Project, and COVID

COVID-19 Appreciation Cards

19

"Participating in Project Aspire 2 Inspire was a great experience for me and it immediately stood out as a great program. It provided a wonderful array of opportunities to help out our local community. Personally, I was able to donate textiles to people in need because of an opportunity provided by Project Aspire 2 Inspire. They truly do good work and make it easy for any aspiring volunteers to assist and aid those who need it" - Elliot Heath (Class of 2023)

t Aspire spire

profit organization dedicated towards helping variety of projects focus on alleviating the es by the COVID-19 pandemic. Such events VID-19 Appreciation Cards Project, COVID-19 D-19 Textile Donations Project.

"For project aspire 2 inspire, I did the social media event in which I promoted the Instagram account on my story. I felt great to be able to share with others an account that promotes service and kindness. Hopefully some people followed them through my shoutout!"

- Avary Kwai (Class of 2022)

COVID-19 Mutual Aid

20

Thirst Projec

The Thirst Project Campaign a nonprof United States speaking at schools to water crisis and encourages th

The FIVE Divisions in the NYC area teamed up to money to build a freshwater well for a commun What better way to serve and lead than to provi people in need! Water is a Human Right. Join A $25 donation can give someone clean wate

"Participating in the Thirst Project Campaign was a way for me to help those in need globally.

I chose to donate $25 to give someone clean water for life because water is an essential part of survival. Water shortage has been a problem for centuries and if I was given the chance to help someone receive clean water again, I would happily do that" - Amanda Ip (Class of 2023)

21

ct Campaign

fit organization that travels across the o educate students about the global hem to fundraise to build wells.

raise enough nity in need. ide water for the Fight! er for LIFE.

TOWNSEND HARRIS KEY CLUB

$290 Raised

22

THHS KEY CLUB EXECUTIVE BOARD 20

CONTACT INFO

JUSTIN LEE PRESIDENT (917)-242-2349 @JUSTINN__LEE JLEE0876@TOWNSENDHARRIS.ORG

AVARY KWAI VICE PRESIDENT (347)-481-0635 @AVARYKWAI AKWAI9966@TOWNSENDHARRIS.ORG

MELINDA WANG SECRETARY (347)-698-8220 @MXXLINDAW9 MWANG3260@TOWNSENDHARRIS.ORG

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FACEBOOK

021-22

TOWNSEND HARRIS KEY CLUB

INSTAGRAM @THHSKC WEBSITE

TBD

EMAIL

THHSKC@GMAIL.COM

KATE ESTEVEZ

KESTEVEZ3000@TOWNSENDHARRIS.ORG

ERICA LEE WEBMISTRESS (917)-754-9577 @ERICAXXLEE ELEE1829@TOWNSENDHARRIS.ORG

ERICA JIN BULLETIN EDITOR (929)-395-2838 @ERICAA.JIN

CONTACT INFO

TREASURER (917)-499-2923 @KATEE.ESTEVEZZ

EJIN0287@TOWNSENDHARRIS.ORG

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Thank You FOR READING

MARCH ISSUE

Townsend Harris Key Club Division 8 New York District Key Club 149-11 Melbourne Ave, Flushing, NY 11367