By Natalie Zwalkow and Sydney Meyer
Key Club is an international, student-led organization founded in 1925. The purpose of Key Club is to encourage leadership among youth through serving others. It is offered at thousands of high schools across the nation and is recognized for their affiliation with Local Kiwanis clubs. This club is not only beneficial for the character-building of students, but it also teaches responsibility as well as the importance of giving back to your community. Through membership in Key Club International, the door to scholarships and countless academic opportunities is wide open, and it especially adds appeal when building your college resumes.
Key Club has been offered here at Minarets High school for over five years, and grows larger every year. The current advisor of the Minarets Key Club is Michael Vaughan, who also teaches the sophomore & junior English classes and coaches the boy’s soccer team as well. We spoke to him personally to gain insight to what’s in store for this year’s members. Minarets Key Club is known for consistent involvement in certain events, such as the annual Relay for Life walk in Oakhurst, and the annual Rose Parade held in Pasadena. However, this year they are planning to volunteer for the 2017 Central Valley Heart & Stroke Walk taking place on October 21st at the Tesoro Viejo development in Madera.
Though members of the club are acknowledged for serving their local communities, what is not always so apparent is the ways that membership can benefit you as an individual. The strong leadership roles that students take charge of develop responsibility and pride in one’s work ethic. There are multiple instances in which members will have encounters with respectable adults where students are expected to present themselves in a professional manner. Professionalism, responsibility, and a good work ethic are all vital characteristics for life beyond your high school career.
Overall, the Minarets Key Club is excited about the increase in enrollment for the 2017-2018 school year and the events to come. Members can expect a thoroughly organized and involved experience this year. Meetings are held in room 604 every other Wednesday, and are open to all who are interested.