TOWNSEND HARRIS HIGH SCHOOL KEY CLUB
Spring/Summer 2017 Newsletter Issue I
Table of Contents Editor’s Message Farewell to Our 2016-2017 Key Club Board (Crimson and Gold)
Greetings to Our 2017-2018 Key Club Board (Blue and White)
Events & Reflections 2017 Leadership Training Conference Other Events
Contact Information
Hi Key Clubbers!!! I’m so excited to present to you the Spring/Summer Newsletter! So much has happened and it was pretty difficult to decide where to start. However, before that, I thought it necessary to dedicate a farewell to your amazing 2016-2017 Key Club cabinet. Following that is an introduction to your 2017-2018 cabinet. Afterwards, I chose to start with a recap of LTC and hopefully it will inspire you guys to attend this year. And finally … the reflections! It was so interesting reading what you guys thought about the events and seeing how dedicated you all are to Key Club! I’m looking forward to serving as your bulletin editor this service year and I hope you enjoy the newsletter! ♡ Yours in Service, Jenny Li Bulletin Editor ‘17-’18
IMMEDIATE - PAST PRESIDENT CHRISTINE LEE Key Club was one of the first clubs I signed up for at the club fair. I saw the mob of people swarming around the table and I thought "this club must be important." I wasn't wrong. Like many of you (probably), I joined Key Club because I needed those 40 hours of community service. But Key Club was so much more rewarding than that. My first event was one of my favorites; I was a walk route guide at the Walk to End Lupus Now near the Intrepid and cheered on the participants. I'll never forget the positive energy that encompassed the area, as everyone there came together for a common cause, a good cause. Fast forward a few months and I'm handing out meals to homeless people in Tompkins Square Park. Abbey, the President at the time, and I were the only two members there, and as I got to talk to her I realized how comfortable I felt in this club and how I wanted to run for a position as well, and hopefully someday have the honor of having her position. I was determined in running for a position on the board, but as the day arrived I felt self-doubt, as I had never really done public speaking before, and I was the only freshman running for a position. But I told myself, "Is not
doing this something I will regret in the future?" The answer was yes, so I took a deep breath and gave my speech, and it was the best advice I had ever given myself in life. And it's the advice I give to all of you too; Key Club or not, if there is a positive opportunity you want to seize but you are unsure and doubt yourself, I hope you ask yourself the same question: "is this opportunity something I would regret not going after?" And just know that I
believe in all of you, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. I know you all are going to achieve amazing things because you are one of the most caring group of individuals I know. Running for Treasurer that day opened my life up to experiences I'll never forget, including bonding with fellow Key Clubbers at the Leadership Training Conference and endorsing my friend Gavin Li in front of 600 people as he went on his own quest to run for District Governor of NY, and I was overflowing with happiness when he won. I'll always miss Key Club dearly but know that I'm proud of you all and thinking of you guys, and I hope to see you soon when I visit!
IMMEDIATE - PAST VICE PRESIDENT TIFFANY HUANG At first, Key Club looked like an easy way for me to get the require community service hours but as I attended more meetings, I realized that Key Club had so much more to offer. Sure you get the hours, but in those hours, you're also provided with an abundant amount of positive memories and a team/family that you can always relate to. One of my favorite memories is the time I led the Cupid Chase 5K Run. It was unbearably cold so I was a bit worried that no one would come, but they did and they showed 110% of their energy and efforts into the cheers we were supposed to do. With the temperature below freezing, that day was able to bring a warmth to my heart. Leaving Key Club is bittersweet to me. It's sad to think that it was only a few moments ago where I was part of this family but I realize that although I won't be physically at the meetings, it's a lifelong commitment that follows you. The values you learn at Key Club become integral to the person you become. I'm sure that there are many more upcoming opportunities to show the world what I've experienced as a Key Club member. - For the future members: Join Key Club and invest your time in it. I know it might sound like a lot on your plate but the outcome will be something you don't want to miss out on.
IMMEDIATE - PAST SECRETARY MANDY TAN Mandy is your President for the 2017-2018 Service Year, Check out her greeting in the following pages!
IMMEDIATE - PAST TREASURER BRANDON LUSHING In freshman year, I joined Key Club just to find those volunteering opportunities. At the end of sophomore year, there were board position applications and I was like why not? I joined the board in my junior year and although I messed up a couple of times, the board members were there to help and guide me. My favorite event has been the Donut Dash event, I had a great time cheering on the runners and eating donuts. In leaving Key Club, I feel like a better son, friend, and man. It taught me so much about putting others before yourself in a world that celebrates personal achievement and materialism. Going to college I've already looked towards Circle K to continue volunteering. I'm sad to leave THHS but I loved every single second of it and am thankful for the people I've met. My last word of advice is to have fun. Keep making those sacrifices and get out more to meet other key clubbers and to do events. Being an Eagle Scout and spending over 100+ hours on my own community project has shown me that perseverance truly does yield great results. And what better way to leave a legacy and your city better than you found it by giving your life and work to help someone else- there is no price on that. Also, do FON from freshman year- it's mad fun.
IMMEDIATE - PAST WEBMISTRESS VICKI JAGDEO Jenny is your Vice-President for the 2017-2018 Service Year, Check out her greeting in the following pages!
IMMEDIATE - PAST BULLETIN EDITOR JENNY HE
PRESIDENT MANDY TAN Hey there keyootie! My name is Mandy and I am serving as your Key Club President for the 2017-2018 school year. I was your previous secretary, but most importantly I am a member first and foremost. For me, being in this club is an outlet to address my passions of helping the less privileged and the underrepresented through service. My hobbies include marathoning crime shows, shopping, and going to art museums. I am honored to be part of an organization full of young students that strive towards activism and community service. As president, I hope to continue raising awareness of prevalent causes through, and organizing successful community service events.
VICE PRESIDENT JENNY HE Hey Key Clubbers! I am your Vice President for this 2017-2018 Key Club year. Working with the president and the whole cabinet, i hope to continue our tradition as the best club in the whole school. From club meetings to divisional events to walks and more, I’m so excited to meet every one of you. I can’t wait for you all to see what Key Club is about; the friends we make and the things we do are unforgettable and we honestly do not get enough credit for them. Every Key Clubber by your side is your mom, dad, brother, sister; in Key Club, we are a family and I can’t wait for you to be apart of our family. Feel free to come up to me and introduce yourself; let’s be friends!
SECRETARY CALVIN TAN When entering the first stages of high school, I looked for many outlets to divert myself from the rigorous and challenging work that a Townsend student faces. Of course sports and dancing became a big part of what I did after school, but I also looked for ways to give back to the community around me. Prior to joining Key Club, I began my community service by aiding the younger generations through summer programs. Joining key club and becoming a board member allowed me to do more of the same, but alongside other dedicated clubbers. Being on the board for the first time really helps me put into perspective what the club is all about. It helped me realize the need to balance time between school work and clubs. It also emphasises the key role that organization and management plays in keeping a successful club running. Further down the road, I hope to keep improving my own weaknesses so that they can be considered strengths. I also hope to continue working with the board and members of Key Club not only from my own school, but within my community, to truly help those in need and fulfil the values of Key Club.
TREASURER SHIRLEY LIN Hey Key Clubbers! My name is Shirley and I am very excited to be your Key Club TreaSHIRer for the 2017-2018 service year! I knew about Key Club coming into high school but I never understood the core of Key Club until recently. Sure freshman year I joined Key Club, attended events, and claimed my community service hours; however Key Club is much more than fulfilling your Townsend Harris graduation requirements. Key Club has allowed me to form amazing connections with other Key Clubbers throughout New York City, but what’s even more amazing is how much we are able to accomplish as students. Key Club is a student-led organization and it amazes me that high school students are able to not only serving the community but plan get-togethers, host fundraisers, and raise money for worthy causes. It takes time to befriend Key Club but it is a friendship definitely deserving of making. As your treasurer, I promise to prioritize Key Club despite being on a sports team all three seasons. I will make sure you get the full Key Club experience as long as you are willing to put in the effort. I can’t wait to hear what Key Club holds for you. Happy Key Clubbing!
WEBMISTRESS ANGELINA HUANG I joined key club because my friends were in it. Then I realized it was a good way to get community service. I learned that it was a good way to hang out with friends while also giving back to the community. Then I became divisional webmistress and I was also able to combine my hobby of coding with it too. So, this year I decided to become the school webmistress. It's an honor to be able to work with the rest of the board and make sure our school club will get the best key club experience this year. I hope that we can retain as many members as possible and that our members will end up loving key club.
BULLETIN EDITOR JENNY LI The first club I joined in high school was Key Club. Initially, I joined because it was the only club I knew about and club credit was required. And plus, having access to community service opportunities was a bonus. Over time, I actually fell in love with KC and everything it represented. Come sophomore year, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the cabinet and help continue its legacy. Thus, I ran for a position. Although it didn’t go how I initially planned, I’ve come to adore being Editor. I love reading the reflections and talking to others about their experiences. As Editor, I hope to improve the communication between members and board members. Also, I hope to spread the word about our club and encourage others to attend more events through newsletters and posters. To both returning members and newcomers, I hope you come to love this club as much as I do. By coming to meetings and attending events, I promise that you’ll make unforgettable memories and friendships.
EVENT REFLECTIONS SPRING/SUMMER 2017
MARCH 31 - APRIL 2, 2017
2017 LEADERSHIP TRAINING CONFERENCE (LTC)
This year was the first time I attended the Leadership Training Conference. I have always heard about LTC from past board members but I did not really know what to expect. The conference was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to go. What's so great about LTC is that it finds the perfect balance between fun and business. There are fun icebreakers, dances, and district-wide gatherings that connect key club members who share the same enthusiasm from all over New York. LTC also offers a lot of workshops on the basics of how to tie a tie to the different service projects and everything in between. To top it all off, the food was bomb. -Shirley Lin
The 69th Annual Leadership Training Conference was held this year between March 31st and April 2nd. This was my second and sadly, last LTC experience but regardless of its bittersweet significance, I still had a boat load of fun. LTC is a unique conference with nothing else like it. The kind of passion and charisma all jam packed into the Desmond Hotel is an experience that you can't find anywhere else. From the wild icebreakers and games to the upbeat Key Clubbers to the delicious food, LTC is definitely an event I wish I could attend for the rest of my life. This year was particularly memorable for me because Division 8's very own lieutenant governor Gavin Li ran for the position of district governor (and he won of course). In between campaigning with Gavin and the conference itself, I had so much fun and would definitely come back in a heartbeat. -Flora Kwok
APRIL 8, 2017 --- 11th Annual New York VisionWalk I remember that day well because the weather was incredible. I remember seeing the cherry blossom trees in full bloom and I was so amazed. The walk itself was very peaceful and relaxing. It wasn’t too crowded and everyone could walk comfortably at their own pace. It was also for a very important cause and I’m happy I got to be part of it. -Jenny Li
APRIL 22, 2017 --- Kiwanis Earth Day Park Clean Up This event was a lot of fun, and a great way to celebrate earth day! We got to clean up the park by picking up trash, planting flowers, and painting the benches. At the end you could definitely see the difference our work had made. I also got to talk to new people and learned how to do things such as paint park benches. Everyone was really nice and the volunteers got a shirt and food, so I had a great time at this event. -Ilma Aamir
APRIL 30, 2017 --- March of Dimes Spotting the March of Dimes event was easy to do, with swarms of people in purple and white. With smiling faces and encouraging nods, everyone passed their time chatting with others, attending small stations, or listening to the stories being exchanged on stage at the front. Many people were very supportive of the cause and shared their personal experiences that led them to join the event. After some time, the crowd started moving forward and we followed at our own paces. Some reached their hands out to keep a few giant bouncy balls afloat, while others took pictures and kept walking with snacks or flower necklaces. Overall, there was a friendly atmosphere amidst the crowd that was made better with the occasional music on the sidelines and jugglers near the end of the walk. Several people including myself stayed behind after the end to enjoy the provided games and food stations. This event was fun to attend and would be even better with a larger group. -Khadiza Sultana
MAY 6, 2017 --- Walk to End Lupus I thought that it was a really cool event. The scenery was nice and it was enjoyable to see such a lively atmosphere and a huge swarm of people supporting something they really care about. -Selena Wu
MAY 7, 2017 --- TD Five Boro Bike Tour Volunteering at the bike race made me feel good and very much appreciated, by the race organizers, and by the athletes. I was inspired by all the athletes. Many athletes of all shapes, sizes, ages inspired by their athleticism, talent, determination and perseverance were smiling all around. I was able to point them in the right direction and pick up any garbage and set up all the snacks that we provided to the runners. I gave back and realized how doing just a small thing can really help someone. Last, but not least, volunteering is a blast! I love it. It's so much fun to be able to help athletes when they are working so hard to do their very best at what they love. I got an opportunity to meet new people, try new things and help out the community. The smiles and thanks from athletes make it so worthwhile! -Dawn Lugo
MAY 21, 2017 --- AIDS Walk The Aids Walk was the first walk I ever did. I still question why did I choose a 6+ miles walk as my first walk. It was very tiring. In the end, I couldn't even feel my legs anymore. However, I was amazed by the thousands of people at the walk to support the cause. The volunteers were really nice and supportive. They also had some great snacks and drinks to refill your energy. I would definitely come back next year if I get the chance. -Shirley Zhang
MAY 27, 2017 --- The Color Run This past May I volunteered at the Color Run and it was an experience of a lifetime. I watched people of all ages have fun running through a variety of colored powders, dancing and taking pictures. At the Color Run, I volunteered by distributing the medals at the end of the race. It made me smile when everyone crossed the finish line covered in color and cheering. It truly is the happiest 5K on the planet and I look forward to volunteering there again. -Britney Chong
MAY 28, 2017 --- Passport to Taiwan During late May, I volunteered for the Passport to Taiwan event in Manhattan, and spent 11 or so hours with some people I didn’t know underneath a tent. That being said, contrary to the crass phrasing that made up the previous sentence, it wasn’t a horrifyingly awkward experience to a crashing failure of a social butterfly such as I; for there were oyster pancakes. Yes, you’ve heard me right folks, oyster pancakes. For the entirety of the event (minus the setup of the tents and the post-event cleanup), I was to procure oyster pancakes for the event customers to purchase on an actual portable stove (I felt so independent! So alive!!). Despite the hordes of people adding quite the workload onto the hastily established oyster pancake squadron (subsequently causing my arms to turn into mush), I took solace in the fact that something that I was making was able to be bought by someone else. Being a consumer for all my life, it certainly was exciting to be on the other side of the counter, selling and making stuff and whatnot. Additionally, although I didn’t get to know them well enough to become acquaintances afterward, the volunteers that I had the pleasure to work with established a flourishing atmosphere of camaraderie underneath that tent. We made a system of some sort where each person would be responsible for one part in the food making process to increase production speed. Personally, I found this type of communication to be invigorating in regards to my performance in that event; if one person were to make an error, the entire group would be slowed down. This necessity for focus and accuracy made those all those hours of working practically whizz by. So, in an abrupt conclusion, despite the hustle and bustle of the crowds during that event, it is something I would definitely not mind returning to. -Calvin Yu
JULY 29, 2017 --- NYCRUNS: Ice Cream Social 5K & 10K The NYCRUNS Ice Cream Social 5K & 10K was the first summer Key Club I ever attended. I had to wake up much earlier than I was used to during the summer in order to ensure that I wouldn't miss the meet up, but meet up times are one of the last things that a Key Club member should worry about. During the actual event I was assigned the position of Course Marshal, I had to make sure the runners stay in the running lane/serve as the guidance of the runners, and I assisted in cleaning up the park upon the completion of the race. Although I was fairly tired when we had to leave the event, I left with motivation to move towards my own goals as I remember watching several old aged people participating in this event. Overall, this was an amazing event to attend and I would definitely attend this event again if I have the chance to and recommend others to do the same as well. -Vishnu Kumar
AUGUST 12-13, 2017 --- Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2017 was my first year volunteering at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. My job was to help the press register and fill out waivers so that they could go on the chasing boats to take pictures. As it was a new experience for, there was a lot I had to learn about my job, but there were plenty of other volunteers and staff members ready to help me out. I have to say that the atmosphere was very fun and welcoming and the fact that there were several food stalls and shuttle buses was very convenient. If I had the chance, I'd definitely come back again next year! -Aria Chowdhury
CONTACT INFORMATION President: Mandy Tan
Treasurer: Shirley Lin
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(347) 350-0670
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347-261-9888
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ztan@townsendharris.org
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shirley.lin23@gmail.com
Vice President: Jenny He
Webmaster: Angelina Huang
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646-301-8116
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917-288-2605
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jhe@townsendharris.org
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angieh811@gmail.com
Secretary: Calvin Tan
Bulletin Editor: Jenny Li
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(718) 795-5506
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ztan5731@townsendharris.org ●
917-402-2461 jennyli1234@gmail.com
Facebook facebook.com/groups/TownsendHarrisKeyClub/
Website Thhskc.weebly.com
Remind Text @memberr to 81010
Email thhskc@gmail.com