Townsend Harris Key Club | March-December 2020-2021 | Issue 1 Part 1

s i r r a H d n e s n Tow

B U L C Y E K Issue 1 | March - December | 2020-2021 | Avary Kwai

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Farewell to the 2019-2020 Key Club Board

Greetings to the 2020-2021 Key Club Board!

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23-24

April & May Events

June/July/August Events

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November & December Events

Contact Info & Resources

15-16 March Events

31-32 September & October Events

editor's note

Hey, Key Clubbers! I'm Avary Kwai, your 2020-2021 bulletin editor, here with your longawaited March-December 'Quarantine Edition' newsletter! This is my first newsletter ever, and not going to lie, it took me forever to complete, but I worked really hard on it, and I hope it meets all of your guys' expectations! This year was definitely a challenging one, to say the least, with Key Club having to go virtual entirely, but nonetheless, you guys remained so dedicated to serving your community, and I couldn't be more impressed or proud of you all. We had an extremely successful service year--despite being in quarantine--thanks to you all. We completed hundreds of service hours together, through many great virtual events this year like Freerice, and raised a lot of money through fundraisers like Light the Night. I can't wait to see what we will achieve in 2021, and keep up the amazing work!!! :) With love, Avary Kwai 2020-2021 Bulletin Editor

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Farewell to the 2019-

President Nikki Ng

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Hey Key Clubbers!! that my time serving on the Key Club has impacted me remember my first Key Club Regardless, watching so ma an amazing sight to see, an Key Club changed that abou became the person walking As treasurer and pr meetings, and also to watch our club has come in the pa Cancer Walk and realize ho faces the challenges and str for over an hour, and brave neglected during the schoo community and help out so and steps you take are wha I hope that you’ll c making the most fulfilling e of faith because you don’t k rocky start with coronavirus make it work and create an goodbye! I’ll still be around

-2020 Key Club Board

I guess this would be the very last time you’ll hear that from me. I feel bittersweet e Key Club cabinet is over, but it was definitely an experience that was worthwhile. so much, in ways that my freshman self could have never fathomed. I still b event, Light the Night, where I didn’t know a single person from my home club. any members of the community come together to shine a light on the cause was nd I knew I wanted to stay involved. I’m not an outspoken person to begin with, but ut me. From being the person standing on the outside of the circle, I gradually g at the front of the group. resident, it has been a pleasure to lead you guys at events, see your faces at h you grow both as a group and as individuals. I am so incredibly proud of how far ast few years especially when I look back at events like Light the Night and Breast ow big our club is now even coming from such a small school. I know everyone ruggles of being a student— and it definitely gets harder to wake up early, travel e the cold or heat on a weekend when you could be catching up on the sleep you ol week,— but each and every one of you has sacrificed a little of that to serve your omeone else who needs it. Although you might not notice it, these small actions at make a big difference. continue to use Key Club to build character and bonds and meet new people while experiences possible. Most importantly, have fun while you’re at it! And take a leap know where it’ll lead you. Even though the beginning of the new service year had a s limiting many volunteer opportunities, I trust that the new board is going to nother successful and rewarding year. Thank you guys for everything, and this isn’t :) Please say hi to me in school if you see me!!!!

Until then— here’s another very last time: Yours in Service, Nikki Ng President ‘19 - ‘20

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Vice President Sharon Li

Hey KEYuties!

Although we were not able to commemorate the conclusion of this service year, nonetheless, I cannot measure the pride and joy I have in this club and everything we accomplished. I am constantly astonished by all of your everlasting commitment and passion for service, and I hope that this will only continue to flourish throughout your following years. This organization endeavors to become the foundation that empowers you with the opportunities to develop into the next generation of leaders indoctrinated in humility. Not only by providing service to your communities but the ability to empower others and to grow stronger relationships with everyone in it. I encourage you to take advantage of everything this club has to offer, and I promise that the experiences will be extraordinary. Coming from a member who has been involved since the Kiwanis Builders Club, I can tell you from a first-hand account that I could have never imagined myself being where I am today and the countless valuable lessons I have learned.

While I am going to miss seeing you from the front of the room in the chemistry rooms, I cannot wait to join alongside you in the seats across from the board. Whether you are beginning a new chapter to your Key Club journey or ending your final chapter, know that, regardless, doors full of opportunities will be waiting for you. Open these doors because each opportunity may lead to an experience you may never forget. I am honored to serve you as your Vice President, but even more honored to know key clubbers as amazing as you all are. Never hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns or talk about anything. If you see me next year, don’t be afraid to approach me and say hi!

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In love and service, Sharon Li Vice President ‘19-’20

Secretary Rachel Lin Dear Key Clubbers, It has been such a pleasure serving alongside all of you. From initially joining the club as a freshmen to eventually becoming secretary, this club has taught me so much and watched me grow as a person. I’ve gained valuable memories and met friends that I will cherish forever. I never knew how big of an impact it would have on me, but one thing is for sure: I made the right decision joining Key Club. Although I initially joined in order to gain community service hours, it slowly became more than that. I became more excited to go to events and looked forward to hanging out with other key clubbers on the weekends. I hope that you can have the same experience as me and use this club as an opportunity for you to make your own valuable memories.

Although I will not be part of the board, I will continue to participate in the club and join new members during meetings.

I hope that you all can continue to join Key Club throughout the rest of your high school career, as it has made a strong impact on many of ours. I am so glad to have been able to serve as your Secretary this year and meet so many new faces.

You can always feel free to reach out to me about anything next year if you see me! Don’t hesitate to approach or simply say hi! I don’t bite :) In love and service, Rachel Lin Secretary '19-'20

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Greetings to the 2020-2

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2021 Key Club Board!

Note: Christine Kim, who served as treasurer for the service year of 2019-2020, will now serve as vice president for the 2020-2021 service year.

Nancy Jiang, who served as bulletin editor for the service year of 2019-2020, will now serve as secretary for the 2020-2021 service year.

Esther Dai, who served as webmistress for the service year of 2019-2020, will now serve as president of key club for the 2020-2021 service year.

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President

Esther Dai

Hello Key Clubbers! My name is Esther, and I’m very excited to be serving as the president for the ‘20-’21 service year. To me, Key Club is more than a service club that gives out hours. To me, it’s my family that encourages me to be selfless, confident, and most importantly, to be kind. I joined because I wanted to give back to my community, but I stayed because this was my passion. This year was nothing like I had imagined when I was first elected. I thought that because of the pandemic, the one thing that gave me the most joy would be taken away from me.

I realized very soon after that I was wrong. If anything, this pandemic has allowed our community on a local and global level to grow closer and even more intertwined. Our inclusive and welcoming family has taught me that nothing can take away the joy in helping others, rather, our ability to adapt to any situation is our greatest strength. I hope that you all will also learn just how amazing Key Club is, and learn to have fun while helping others. Caring will always be our way of life.

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With love, Esther Dai

Vice President Christine Kim

Hey, Key Clubbers! My name’s Christine Kim and I’m your Vice President for the ‘20-‘21 service year. I’ve been in Key Club since freshman year and have previously held the positions of secretary and treasurer, so if you have any questions about Key Club, feel free to reach out! I Since freshman year, I have seen firsthand how much our club has grown and progressed over the years, and I am very thankful for your participation in keeping our club alive and active at Townsend; I am truly honored to have taken a part in this journey and I hope to finish my last year in Key Club with a great service year!

Outside of Key Club, I am also involved in S!NG, FON, and Handball. I know I can seem intimidating, but don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you need help with anything (even outside of Key Club) or if you just want to talk!

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Treasurer Justin Lee

Yo what’s up key clubbers my names Justin Lee and I’m your new treasurer for the 2020-2021 service year. I’ve been in key club since freshman year and it’s been an awesome experience, and I hope I can make key club a great time for all of you through fundraisers and events. A little about my interests are that I love talking about money and politics. I’m always open to discussions and questions and I hope we have a great year!

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ancy Jiang

i guys! My name is Nancy and I will be serving as ur secretary for the 2020-2021 service year. I was ur editor last year and I was in charge of making e newsletters, this year I will be taking your endance and keeping you guys updated about the ents in our club. I hope that more people can join r club and not feel alone. I’m pretty sure most of u are just joining for the hours but as time passes u realize that there is more to key club than the urs. I really want key club to be somewhere where u can make new friends and make new memories. ou have any questions you can always contact y of us we will always be here for you guys!

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Webmaster Darren Leong Hey y’all!

My name’s Darren and I’m gonna be your webmaster for the 2020-2021 year. As a junior now, I’m looking forward to make this year easier for you guys by giving y’all updates and posts on our website and Instagram. I’m an easy person to approach, so if you guys have any questions, please don’t be afraid to ask me. Key Club is very important to me because it was one of the first clubs I joined and the first club where I felt truly welcomed. One of my first events, Light the Night, really allowed me to meet new people and gave me the chance to fit in. This club gives you an opportunity to give back to ur community while making new friends and receiving service hours.

Let’s have a good year :)

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Bulletin Editor Avary Kwai

Hiiii, KEYuties!

My name is Avary Kwai, and I am currently a junior who is beyond honored to serve as your bulletin editor for the 2020-2021 service year. As bulletin editor, I am in charge of creating newsletters that primarily recap past events for you all to read! I've been in Key Club since freshman year, and can honestly say I have fallen in love with it and everything it stands for. This club has allowed me to make a difference in the community, make friends I will never forget, create meaningful memories, obtain service hours, and have a blast all the while--it truly does not get better than that! I love our huge, kind, and happy Key Club family--this club is truly my heart in club form haha. Giving back to the community, supporting good causes, and helping those in need are all things I always want to do, and Key Club has made it all possible for me, which I am forever grateful for. Feel free to message me about anything--I am here for you!!! I hope you all find joy in Key Club besides merely getting hours because this club is definitely so much more than that. Let's have an amazing service year!

Yours in service, Avary Kwai

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March

Events this month: Townsend Harris Blaze Fundraiser (3/6) Village Temple Soup Kitchen (every Saturday) Project Cicero (3/7-3/8) THHS Key Club Bakesale (3/12) Saturday Lunch Program (3/14) Brooklyn Bodega (3/15) March Divisional (3/18) Community Volunteer Day (3/21) Leadership Training Conference (3/27-3/29) Saturday Lunch Program (3/28) ***all Key Club meetings and events in March were canceled due to COVID-19.

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April VIRTUAL EVENTS:

VIRTU

Virtual March For Babies Step Up (ends May 15th)

Virtual

Send a Note of Hope (ends Dec. 31st) 17

M

Virtual M

Send a

May

UAL EVENTS:

l .io Games (5/2)

March For Babies Step Up

a Note of Hope 18

Virtual March For Babies Step Up: This year, the March for Babies/March of Dimes is virtual! Every step you take at home will be turned into dollars to be donated to March of Dimes! Your support will help research for COVID-19 treatments that are safe for pregnant women, families impacted by COVID-19, resources and training for doctors and nurses, and much more!

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Although this even been much mor had we gotten th freely walk/run/bi was still fun (and g to walk around t gain miles for Mar liked viewing oth progress from the and it had motivat more. I was ama many miles we a division, even th purely virtual an The contest, ran b made things mo

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nt would have e successful he chance to ike outside, it good exercise) the house to rch of Dimes. I her people's e leaderboard, ted me to walk azed at how amassed as a hough it was nd individual.

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All proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and on top of service hours, there’s also going to be a raffle giving away gifts! Play fun .io games online for a good cause!

This event was extremely fun, and I really enjoyed playing Stomped.io, Wings.io, Agar.io, and Splix.io with everyone who came. It got competitive during some rounds, but overall was such a good time, and we all laughed and bonded on the Zoom call. The best part of it all was the fact that we all played to support LLS. I thought this fundraiser was successful and a smart way to raise money.

Avary Kwai

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Jul June virtual events: June divisional

virtual e

July divi

Freerice (end

Smithsonian Volunteers (en 23

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ds Dec. 31st)

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August virtual events: August divisional 24

freerice Freerice is an ad-supported, free-to-play website and mobile application that allows players to donate rice to families in need by playing a multiple-choice quiz game. For every question the user answers correctly, 10 grains of rice are donated via the United Nations World Food Programme.

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Overall, it is a great way to get service hours remotely, especially if there is less opportunities to fulfill the service hour requirements. The variety of trivia categories kept it interesting. The only downside of FreeRice is that it sometimes doesn't keep you logged in after a few months of inactivity and the lower point values from 10 to 5 grains per question. I would do it again, provided that there is limited opportunities to get service hours during COVID19, but overall FreeRice was a great event.

Matthew Merino

I started do way for distrac tedious questions really ins don’t have technica

During this current pandemic, community service opportunities have been limited.

Key Club was able to offer 15 hours of community service for 37,500 grains of rice on an app called Freerice. In order to collect rice, there are a variety of trivia questions to answer ranging from vocabulary to flags of the world. I personally enjoyed being able to complete community service while also educating myself on topics such as climate action and global goals. Freerice was able to expose me to these global issues through a stimulating multiplechoice question game.

Katelin Chen

i rlly liked how we could help other countries in need just by answering short, easy questions !! although it took a while, it had a nice outcome, which i was rlly happy abt :) i’d do it again since i enjoyed the efficiency if that makes sense HAHA to make it fun, i played music in the back so i didnt get tired LMAO Antonia Lestariad

oing Freerice primarily in the summer, and it was a great r me to not only support an important cause, but just ct myself from boredom in quarantine! Though it was , in the end it paid off and I felt that simply answering could help save someone from hunger/poverty, which is spiring :D And of course, I would definitely do it again! I e many complaints about it, other than the occasionally al issues, but other than that, I’m happy that KeyClub introduced it!!

Erica Lee

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Project GivingThanks Started by a group of high schoolers from Arcadia High School in California, Project GivingThanks aims to spread words of đ?—˝đ?—źđ?˜€đ?—śđ?˜ đ?—śđ?˜ƒđ?—śđ?˜ đ?˜† 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 GivingThanks aims to thank essential workers not only locally, but potentially nationally!

Club members can thank essential workers by đ?˜€đ?˜‚đ?—Żđ?—şđ?—śđ?˜ đ?˜ đ?—śđ?—ťđ?—´ đ?—˝đ?—źđ?˜€đ?˜ -đ?—śđ?˜ đ?—şđ?—˛đ?˜€đ?˜€đ?—Žđ?—´đ?—˛đ?˜€, đ?—Žđ?—żđ?˜ đ?˜„đ?—źđ?—żđ?—¸, đ?—źđ?—ż đ?—żđ?—˛đ?—°đ?—źđ?—żđ?—ąđ?—śđ?—ťđ?—´ đ?—Ž đ?˜ƒđ?—śđ?—ąđ?—˛đ?—ź! Who are essential workers? First responders, healthcare workers, grocery workers, or even essential workers in general.

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i enjoyed this project because i liked the creative freedom and being able to write cards to thank healthcare workers during these extremely hard times. i don’t think that i disliked anything about it because submission was pretty easy. I used my ipad and was able to create different patterns and designs.

Eliana Dorfman

Project Giving Thanks was one of the bes in the past 2 years of being a key club me I wrote notes for first responders, fro workers and just many other people pandemic. It made me feel like I was doin these people have been stressed and hav past months. I hope my notes made ther inspired them to keep going. I would 1

Jessica Sandova

i liked the givingthanks project a lot because i thought it was really meaningful and a way to show sincerity to the people who spent a lot of their time on the frontlines during the pandemic. i would definitely do it again and overall, i’m glad i did such a project since it allowed me to express my gratitude to workers in the healthcare industry :)) Sheron Xu

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t virtual events I have done ember! I really enjoyed it as nt line workers, grocery who have helped in the ng my part because many of ve worked really hard these re days, weeks, maybe even 100% do this event again.

Personally, I enjoyed making the thank you notes because it was nice to get creative and be thankful for the people who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much. It was kind of difficult making so many notes though but it was not a burden whatsoever. The interesting part for me was looking at other people’s submissions (they gave examples on website) and it was nice to see how so many different people of all age groups could participate in something like this.

al

Valeriya Shin

I enjoyed making the small notes and drawings for the project givingthanks event. However, I don’t see my self doing it again because since I had to make so many, I quickly ran out of ideas and it’s difficult to be creative with 10+ submissions to make. I find that this was a nice way to show appreciation for our essential workers :)) Sally Zheng

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Issue 1 | March - December | 2020-2021 | Avary Kwai