February March 2012
Tex-O Key PLARN
THe new weaving craze that’s sweeping Key Club nation
on a mission a close-to-home project that warmed hearts
the academy
How one small place influenced countless clubbers and kids
THE Packing List Straight From the governor herself
Al We Need is Love
CALL TO DCON: Why you have to be there!
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y e K O Tex-O Key
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WHAT’S INSIDE
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2012
p.13 p.13 FUMC FUMC mission mission house house
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Call to DCON
T-O’s Convention Liaison talks about this year’s annual District Convention in Dallas, Texas. It’s bound to be the best one yet!
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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 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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Governor’s Column
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Letter From the Editor
Winding down the year, Editor Kait takes an opportunity to encourage you to come to DCON!
february/march special
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COVER
-O
Madam Governor Megan Iselin sheds light on this year’s Governor’s project, Operation Overwatch and explains how to earn YOUR patch.
On a Mission
STORY
Bullard High School Key Club lends a hand at the FUMC Mission House and sees their work pay off right before their eyes.
February-March 2012
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HELLO T-O KEY CLUBBERS! I’m Colten Meisner, your 2011-2012 Texas-Oklahoma Convention Liaison, and I am so thrilled to see you guys in Dallas in roughly two weeks and counting! My position of Convention Liaison entails a multitude of tasks that ultimately lead to the production and implementation of the annual District Convention, and in this year’s case, the 63rd Annual T-O District Convention! Typically, the creation of our DCON centers on a united theme to be implemented across all activities at convention, and this year is certainly no different, where we will have our convention in Dallas where Service is the Key to Paradise! You may be wondering though, what exactly is Paradise? Is it a beach? Is it a night out with friends? Fortunately, paradise meets all criteria that succumb to a weekend of rest and relaxation through the celebration of our service! Obviously, Key Club focuses on a passion for service; likewise, DCON allows Key Clubbers from across Texas and Oklahoma to celebrate their service endeavors this year and meet new people that will inspire more in the coming years. Personally, when I walked into the Sheraton at the 2010 District Convention, my view of the world was turned upside down. I was exposed to people with new thoughts, new project ideas, new interpretations of what a Key Club should be. This experience, and the experiences that were transpired in the service years thereafter, have been my paradise through my years of high school. If serving your community gives you joy down to your core, DCON will not disappoint, as you will set sail right into paradise. Just like my favorite band, Coldplay’s, song “Paradise” goes: “When she was just a girl, she expected the world. But it flew away from her reach, so she ran away in her sleep and dreamed of Paradise every time she closed here eyes.” We cannot expect the world without first doing something about it.
I HOPE TO SEE ALL OF YOU APRIL 1215, 2012, IN DALLAS, TEXAS, WHERE SERVICE IS THE KEY TO PARADISE!
Reminders Convention Dress Code The dress code is strictly enforced at all convention events and sessions. Students and sponsors alike are expected to abide by the posted dress guidelines for each specific event (see the Tentative Agenda on the last page of this bulletin). Note the details of this dress code, as attendees will be refused entry at session doors for non-compliance. Advisors and sponsors will be required to acknowledge understanding of these rules at convention check-in. Also see the Guide to Convention Dress Code found on your convention CD.
Optional Formal Attire for Ladies and Gentleman Professional or tasteful formal dress will be permitted. Formal or semi-formal dresses no shorter than fingertip length; spaghetti straps, halters, and one-shoulder are acceptable; no strapless (even when covered by jacket or other garment); all other rules for professional attire apply.
Professional Attire for Gentleman Suit or dress coat and tie with dress slacks or khakis, socks, and dress shoes. Dress coat and tie are absolutely mandatory. Unacceptable: shorts, denim, sneakers, sandals of any kind, or letterman jackets.
Professional Attire for Ladies Dresses, suits, pantsuits, skirts (no shorter than fingertip length) with blouse (sleeve at least dollar bill width (around 3�), dress shoes, and sweaters/dress jackets. Unacceptable: flip-flops, sneakers, denim, shirts with sleeves less than dollar bill width (halters, spaghetti straps, one-should, strapless, etc), bare midriff, shorts, excessively low-cut blouses, or letterman jackets.
Casual Attire for Ladies and Gentleman
Appropriate dollar bill width shirt straps and fingertip length shorts/skirts. Unacceptable: any excessively low-cut shirt, tattered or torn jeans, shirts not abiding by proper measurements (dollar bill width and fingertip length; ex: halters, spaghetti straps, one-shoulder, etc), bare midriff, or excessive skin, any clothes with explicit language or symbols (includes sexual innuendo, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, foul language, etc).
Key Tex-O Key
Cypress Ranch Key Club walks in the Galleria to raise awareness for Muscular Distrophy.
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Serving Supper
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West Brook Key Club supports keeping art in communities by helping decorate for the Beaux Arts Ball.
All We Need is Love
The Cypress Woods Key Club spreads love in their community by giving parents a chance to go on a “date night” during Valentine’s Day.
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COVER STORY
Community Service Cypress Woods Key Club sends cards full of love to often forgotten patients of the Grace Care Center.
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
West Brook High School Key Club member Jordan Goldstein talks about an innovative project that turns trash into treasure.
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OVE
Y C
e T
Decorative Art
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Bulllard High Key Club shows their community how cancer is shady by selling sunglasses to raise money for breast cancer research.
TOR
Cypress Ranch Key Club attends a ceremony to receive an award and funding for all of their hard work this year.
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Pink Out
K O x
p.21 pink out
Youth in Philanthropy
February-March 2012
Muscle Walk
Key Club members from Cypress Ranch serve a special dinner to the families in their local Ronald McDonald Charity House.
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R S
WHAT’S INSIDE
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2012
K2 Academy
Cypress Woods Key Club spends some very special time with kids at their favorite gym.
Your Space
RANTINGS AND RAVINGS OF THE TEX-O READERS
K
y e
HEY, YOU SHOULD ALL GO TO DCON!
Your Space has been hi-jacked by DCON! As all Key Clubbers know, APRIL= DISTRICT CONVENTION! All of you out there had better prepare yourselves for the BEST DCON EVER. Liaison Colten Meinser and the Convention Team are all so excited to see your faces and are even more excited to see you enjoy the spectacular 3 days they’ve planned for all of you! Don’t miss out on this awesome time!
I had no idea of the full scope of Key Club International until I attended my first District Convention… and I was truly blown away. There’s nothing quite like it. You experience an energized atmosphere full of motivated and passionate people like yourself who are on fire for service- they’re from all over and across multiple different age groups. Realize that service is the key to paradise through the 2012 TexasOklahoma District Convention this April. I hope to see you there.
Megan Iselin, Governor
The thrill of coming to my first District Convention in 2010 is a feeling that I will never forget. For the first time, I was able to see that thousands of Key Clubbers from across the District shared my dedication to service and passion for Key Club. The experience is, without a doubt, the highlight of my time in high school. I sincerely wish all of you the best of luck in any competitions and hope to meet you at DCON 2012!
Ryan Nava, Secretary
I’d heard about Convention from other members in my school, but I never knew exactly how huge this event was until I went for myself! It’s literally a 3 day retreat. A grand hotel, kind people, fun events.. what more could you want? It’s such a perfect way to end a year full of hard work, and I’d say you definitely aren’t getting the complete Key Club experience without going!
Kaitlyn Levett, Editor The moment you walk into Opening Session, you will be automatically overcome with awe and excitement. The energy and enthusiasm for service throughout the entire District Convention is absolutely electrifying and contagious, making the DCON experience a "must" for all Key Clubbers! I can honestly say that I have looked forward to T-O District Convention every year. It is truly the BEST way to motivate and show your club how immense and extensive Key Club International has become. There are forums and entertainment for every Key Clubber, from the freshman member to the outgoing president. You will trade new ideas and information with Key Clubbers from Oklahoma City to Houston, while making life-long friends or reuniting with old ones. I can guarantee that DCON 2012 will leave you with a sense of T-O spirit that will leave you counting down the days until District Convention 2013!
Morgan Hah, Treasurer February-March 2012
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Key Tex-O Key
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2012
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Chicken Soup
Cypress Ranch Key Clubber Steven Dang offers up a poetic “soup” to heal a weary Key Clubber’s soul.
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WHAT’S INSIDE
T-O Passion Spotlight
y e K O ex Cypress Woods’s Guarav Lalsinghani shares the love he has for Key Club and the love Key Club has for their communities.
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Stacks of Cups
Key Club lends a hand withannual cup stacking tournament at Goodson Middle School and has a blast.
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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
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What is the Major Emphasis? How is Key Club working toward its emphasis? Find out how you can help!
February-March 2012
pg. # ARTICLE HEADLINE
p.34 cupstacking tournament
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Starting Young
Builder’s Club is an important step in the Kiwanis Family. Find out just how important, here!
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Excuse Me, Miss
Club President Deborah Owolabi tells about her loving experience that earned her some new friends.
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T-O Passion Spotlight Webmaster Bryce Jordan knows that all humanity needs is love, and he shares his thoughts with all of T-O!
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Bowls for the Hungry Key Clubber Chris Larry shares that bowls at a soup kitchen can be filled with so much more than just food.
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Kaitlyn Levett Editor In Chief Megan Iselin Governor’s Column Rebecca Riley International Update Vanessa Yeley Andrew Wang Jordan Goldstein Catie Cowden Madelin Cowden Steven Dang Andy Foulds Dang Dinh Courtney Cernosek Deborah Owolabi Chris Larry Bryce Jordan Gaurav Lalsinghani Morgan Hah Ryan Nava Colten Meisner Contributed Articles
February-March 2012
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International Update
NEWS FROM T-O’S INTERNATIONAL TRUSTEE
Attention, Key Clubbers! DCON season has arrived! I write to you from Atlanta, Georgia, where I have been having a fantastic time attending the Georgia District Convention this weekend. All the Key Clubbers here are so friendly, welcoming, and passionate about service. Being here in Georgia has gotten me really excited for my other conventions--especially yours! With over 1500 in attendance (that's bigger than International Convention!), some of the best forums I've heard about, and an awesome paradise theme (complete with a working volcano, I've been told), Texas-Oklahoma DCON is sure to be a success! Although I've never been to the service party that is T-O DCON before, some of your board members have shared with me a few compelling reasons why we should attend:
rebecca riley
1. The paradise theme is poppin'. Um, who wouldn't want to take a journey to paradise, not to mention Key Club paradise?! From volcanoes to fun, paradise-themed forums, the theme is definitely going to make for an awesome weekend. 2. We can learn about service! No, but really. We're in Key Club; that's what we do, ya'll. It'll be fun; I promise! =) I'm leading the International Affairs and International Convention forums, so you should come check them out! 3. I'm going to be there. Just kidding about this being a reason to come, but I will be there! I'd love to meet you! =)
INTERNATIONAL TRUSTEE
4. The general sessions are super amazing. Actually, convention is just generally fun. From a Just Dance tournament to a Key-Club-crazy welcoming activity to awesome speakers like Harriet Turk, you're going to have a great time. You might as well just face the facts and turn in your registration.
Be there, or be square!
5. You won't find this atmosphere anywhere else. You'll have more fun than you ever have before. You'll meet some of the coolest people ever. You'll learn about Key Club, about others, and about yourself. A Key Club DCON is something you simply can't replicate. You just have to be there to experience it for yourself!
Sound good? I think so! I hope you'll consider joining me in Dallas this April 12-15 for a weekend of fun, learning, and service (but mostly fun!) at this year's Texas-Oklahoma District Convention. I'll see you there!
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TEXAS-OKLAHOMA’S
February-March 2012
Governor’s Column
NEWS FROM T-O’S DISTRICT GOVERNOR
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Casual attire to travel to DCON in (What will your club be wearing to the service fair?) Snacks for hotel/bus (Because we all know how expensive hotel food is!) iPod/homework/books to keep you amused during down time Chargers! (laptop, phone, camera) A camera to capture new DCON memories with! PJ’s, basic toiletries (Girls, make sure you have all of the stuff you want/need!) $$ for lunch and dinner **Don’t forget to pack contest entries (and itemized cost forms!) and your service fair tri-fold! **Also, don’t forget important paperwork to be turned in upon registration (Medical Release and Code of Conduct)!
Either pack a snack for breakfast (i.e. Poptarts) or $ to buy something Casual attire to wear to forums (A club shirt? Your DCON shirt?) Professional attire for seniors with scholarship interviews! Professional attire for Opening Session $$ for lunch and dinner **There will be some free time on Friday night, what will your club decide to do?
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Either pack a snack for breakfast (i.e. Poptarts) or $ to buy something Professional attire for Regional Caucusing (Preliminary voting) Professional attire for Leadership Luncheon ^^ Could wear the same thing Formal attire for Awards Banquet and Governor’s Ball [Could wear same thing as earlier in the day, or something fancier]
MY ADVICE: Take 1-2 bags. And do not over pack! Coordinate with roommates!
Casual attire for Farewell Breakfast and to travel back home in $$ for lunch (if you stop on the way home!) Compiled Packing List: • Casual Outfits: 4 (with appropriate shoes) • Professional Outfits: 2 (with appropriate shoes) • PJs, toiletries, necessities • Phone charger & camera • Snacks & non-perishable breakfast foods • About $50 in cash for meals, misc goods • Things to work on, homework, iPod, etc
See you all at DCON!
February-March 2012
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Letter From the Editor
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TEX-O
F
heeeeeere’s DCON!
ebruary was a month full of love and March gave us lots of luck, but what in the world do Key Clubbers love more or than the biggest, baddest District Convention in all of North America?! Absolutely nothing. Lucky for all of you, DCON is fast approaching, and THIS issue of the Tex-O Key is your District Editor’s official Call to DCON of 2012! Throughout this issue, you’ll find sprinkles of other District and even International officers encouraging you to be present at TexasOklahoma’s annual convention, and a few sneak peeks as to what crazy fun the 2011-2012 T-O
Board has planned for you to enjoy! This year’s DCON theme is “Service is the Key to Paradise” so the moment you step into the Sheraton in Dallas, Texas prepare to be bombarded with... relaxation. From volcanoes to tiki-torches, to a chance to see real Hula dancers in action, you’ll swear you’ve stepped into a South Pacific island paradise, not a hotel ballroom. Unwind from the chaotic Key Club year with fun forums and contests that take all of your worries away. Let your mind drift away into a service paradise, but first, let your body drift away to DCON 2012. Sadly, this is my last non-DCON issue as your District Editor of 2012, so thank you all for a wonderful year. It’s been real. It’s been fun. AND, it’s been real fun. Y’all are the greatest! ATTENTION ALL READERS!
Be sure to check inside your Convention pack for the next issue of the Tex-O Key! April’s theme is 100% DCON! Anything you want to write about that’s DCON related, send it in! DCON, DCON, DCON!
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February-March 2012
December-January 2011
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BULLARD HIGH is on a
Mission T
he FUMC here in Bullard Texas has the sermons and the choir and the groups and the Bible studies, but they are also proudly responsible for the First United Methodist Church Mission House. The Mission House is the combination of a health clinic, food pantry, and clothes closet. Birth to the Mission House took place in 2006 with help from the whole community and their founders, Dean and Hazel Mason. The serving stretched from 20 families a month in 2006 to hundreds of people a month in 2012. Just last month in December the Mission House served 15 new families out of the 82 families who were served. Adding up to a total of 300 people; 172 of them were adults, 33 were seniors, and 128 of them were children. We had the honor of coming to the Mission House during business hours and we were granted the opportunity to see who we were indirectly helping. Everyone who was in our corner of the clothes closet had some kind of hardship (or blessing) like; having to take of many children, taking care of even more grandchildren, having a crippling disability, or a financial crisis. Lorena- a woman who receives service from the Mission House- said, “When I lost my job over the holidays they put food on our table and they give us clothes to wear. I wore this shirt,” she motioned to her pink long sleeve button up “to a job interview today; I am trying to find a nice cover up to go with it. Even though we are starting to get back on our feet we still need help, we’re excited about coming to the clinic next time it opens too. The Mission House gives me… hope.” Every Monday after school for a couple hours, select Key Clubbers are honored to help the mission house prepare to serve others through the hands of God. We normally sort through clothes and shoes- that were graciously donated-and put them where they belong; on the shelf, in the resale bag, or in the garage sale bag. We then take care of vacuuming, hauling the bags to their designated areas, and taking out the trash. Waste is rare at the Mission House,
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February-March 2012
the garage sale items are sold for money that goes back into the Mission House and resale items are then sold to other missions to help their attempt at eliminating the need for mission help. The clinic used to have only one doctor helping so the hours of service were very limited. Now the Mission House has three doctors so the hours open are much more flexible. The people who work for the Mission House are often times just as excited about helping as the clients are about being helped. After asking various volunteers what their favorite part about serving at the Mission House is- I only needed one word to fit everyone’s answer, “God.” Everyone’s answer consisted mainly of doing the work of Christ and the strong relationships that can form when you work together to achieve a common goal. The Bullard Mission House accepts donations of clean clothes, food in bulk, toiletries, and medical supplies. The Mission House is more than a mission, it’s a ray of hope shined on those who need it most. Vanessa Yeley
February-March 2012
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Cypress Ranch Key Club Wins
Youth in PhilanthropyAward
C
ypress Ranch Key Club won Honorable Mention and a $1,000 cash award in the Association of Fundraising Professional’s “Youth in Philanthropy” competition. The award was based on the fundraising efforts and volunteerism of the Cy Ranch Key Club during its three and half year existence. The cash award was split evenly between the Key Club and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Cy Ranch Key Club has volunteered at least 20,000 service hours per year in the Cypress/ Houston community in the CFISD schools and with many charities in the area. Club members are encouraged to earn the President’s Volunteer Service Award, and to date, nearly 100 members have earned this award. The club has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House and both Cypress and Northwest Assistance Ministries. Club members are regular volunteers at Houston Rockets events. Other charities supported by the Ranch Key Club include Morning Glory Ranch, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, UNICEF and Cypress Cares. The Muscular Dystrophy Association will receive $500 of the award money. The Cypress Ranch Key Club regularly works the MDA Labor Day telethon answering telephones, has volunteered at the MDA Westside Chef Throwdown, and every year raises donations and participates in the MDA Muscle Walk. Club officers were invited to attend an AFP reception at the Hilton Americas Hotel for the award presentation and had the opportunity to network with non-profit professionals from the Houston area. The club is proud of this accomplishment and the recognition of their good efforts to help others.
Andrew Wang
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February-March 2012
E
Art Studio Benefit Decorating
ach year during the winter months, the Art Studio hosts an event known as the Beaux Arts Ball. This ball, named after the 19th century Parisian ball of the same name and practically same purpose, benefits the Art Studio which supports local art, music, and theatre. The night of the Beaux Arts Ball is a great congregation of local talent, as artists fom throughout the area come to dance the night away. West Brook Key Club, an active supporter of the arts, helped decorate for the ball. Key clubbers felt as though the holidays had come once again, as they decorated Christmas trees and hung holly and tinsel in accordance with the “abominable snow ball” theme. It was great fun, and volunteers got a first look at the auction of local art which was to be sold that night. One clubber said that she enjoyed the project so much on account of feeling like she was visiting an art museum.” It was all great fun and extremely rewarding. The volunteers hope to return next year to help decorate. Jordan Goldstein
February-March 2012
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Lovatethe K2 Academy
O
ver thirty Key Club volunteers sit at a long, cafeteria-style table, listening as a list of children’s names is read aloud. We learn little facts about each one: One loves to play with Play-Doh. Another will drink six or seven Capri-Suns in one sitting. A third just will want to sit and chat. Many of the children have Asperger’s or autism or Down syndrome. Their personalities are all unique; we eagerly await their arrival to see whom we will be paired with for the night. As a kindness to parents of children with disabilities, the K2 Academy Gymnastics Center offers a monthly “respite” where the kids can play games, jump on the trampolines, watch movies, and complete crafts with volunteers. For a few hours, we get to know the kids, talking and laughing with them—and we see beyond their disabilities.
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February-March 2012
The very first time I went, I was paired with an eleven-year old boy with autism who would climb to the very top of the thick rope that extended from the floor to the ceiling. After climbing to the top, he would proceed to let go of one hand and look around the gymnastics center...completely comfortable suspended thirty feet in the air. He barely broke a sweat. He could hang upside down from the gymnast bars without batting an eyelid. I was awed at his ability. On my most recent trip to K2 Academy, I was paired with a two-year old boy, a sibling of a child with autism. He got along exceptionally well with all of the other children, and for two and a half hours, I chased him around the gymnastics center—under balance beams, across trampolines, and through the various playrooms, laughing the whole time. The Cypress Woods Key Club has had the privilege of working with the children at the K2 Academy Gymnastics Center several times—each time more rewarding than the last. Although at first complete strangers, by the end of the night all of the volunteers had bonded with their child. Working with the children, so compassionate and trusting, is always a great experience, and one that I look forward to continuing in the future.
ALL OF THE KIDS SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THAT, TRULY, ALL WE NEED IS LOVE.
Catie Cowden
February-March 2012
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Caring for the Community
A
t Cy-Woods Key Club, we care about the community and want to help make it a better place. By doing this, we are able to influence others into wanting to help out too. Being helpful is contagious in Key Club. Once one person starts to volunteer, it leads to a whole chain of people. The love and care within Key Club is overwhelming to the people who we are able to help out. The passion that our members have is extraordinary when it comes to helping out. Whether it is going to the local food pantry, spending a Saturday at a local elementary school’s cup stacking tournament, or just going for the afternoon with the Builder’s Club members to give flowers to the elderly at the Grace Care Center, there is always a good turn out of people who have smiles on their faces, ready for the volunteering. The love we all have for volunteering is spread through out all of the people that we benefit who are greatly appreciative of us. Our Key Club isn’t just about getting hours of volunteering, it’s about helping out the community and making it a better place for all of us. Within our Club, most have created groups of friends that they volunteer with just to have more fun…but the people who have the best experience are the ones who
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February-March 2012
venture out on their own and really get to talk to the other people. Making conversation with the elderly at Grace Care or the people coming to get food at the food pantry and really getting a new perspective on life is what volunteering is all about. Seeing that huge smile on people’s faces brightens everyone’s day, because they know that their time was worth every second of it. The love and care that our Key Club brings to our community is amazing.
Madelin Cowden
February-March 2012
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Muscle
Marathon
O
n February 18, twenty seven Key Club members from Cypress Ranch High School participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Muscle Walk at the Galleria Mall. This is the fourth year for the Ranch Key Club to participate in this large fundraiser for MDA. As well as forming a team to walk in the event and raising donations for MDA, Key Club members also volunteered at the event. Members worked the MDA Summer Camp informational table, escorted the mascots from several local businesses and helped with registration. Once the walk began, Key Club members walked the mall with thousands of other MDA supporters, families and friends. In order to participate, Key Club members collected donations from their families and friends. With a personal goal of $100 per team member, our club hit this goal with donations totaling just over $2,600 and a $500 check from our club for a grand total of over $3,100. The event goal of $200,000 set by MDA was reached and exceeded! It was a very successful day for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Cypress Ranch Key Club. Club members volunteered, raised money for charity, walked the mall, and enjoyed the event’s great food, giveaways and entertainment. When the Muscle Walk ended, club members enjoyed a little shopping at the Galleria before returning to school. We look forward to next year’s Muscle Walk and continuing our association with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Cypress Ranch February-March 2012
Ronald M
R
c D o n a l House d
ecently a group of Cypress Ranch Key Clubbers spent a Friday evening helping out at the Ronald McDonald House in Houston’s Medical Center. The Ronald McDonald House is a place for families to stay for an extended time while their children receive medical treatment. These families usually drop everything they have and head to Houston so their loved one can receive the medical attention they need. Key Club members left after school was let out so they’d have plenty of time to prepare dinner for the families staying in the Ronald McDonald House. The club prepared a BBQ dinner with chips and fruit. Members made a variety of yummy desserts for the residents. They club also brought card games, puzzles, and coloring books. The club planned to serve fifty to sixty residents. Still, the most significant part of the evening wasn’t serving dinner, it was for the interaction between members and the residents. In fact, two of our junior boys made new friends with the kids while playing a game of basketball. Members met families from all over the U.S., from California to Wisconsin, and even Egypt! The Cypress Ranch Key Club members really enjoyed the opportunity to visit the Ronald McDonald House. Vice President Katie Morgan emphasized, “We should definitely do this again, whether this year or next!” Truthfully, on the bus ride home, all Cypress the Key Clubbers agreed that spending their Friday night at the Ronald McRanch Donald House was worth every minute to brighten someone’s day. February-March 2012
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P B
I
N K out,
ullard High School Key Club sold sunglasses because “Cancer is Shady� at the Pink Out basketball game to support research towards the cure for breast cancer. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of cancer death among women of all races , so we wanted to do a little part to help rid the world of this deadly disease. According to the CDC, in 2007 (the most recent year numbers are available) 202,964 women in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,598 women in the United States died from breast cancer. As Key Clubbers, we decided it was out duty to raise funds to lower this astounding numbers. We had a little mishap with the original pink sunglasses we were going to sell, but we fixed our problem by selling cute kid ones on a short moment’s notice instead. Sales had a little trouble in the beginning, but at the end of the day, we were still able to contribute $100 to breast cancer research.
man Vanessa Yeley
Plarn: plastic + yarn
T
he material known as plarn has recently become a sensation among the environmentally conscious. Plarn is a shortening of the phrase plastic yarn and is completely recyclable and virtually cost free. As the name suggests, it is often used in a fashion similar to yarn, and can be crocheted into a variety of items including tote bags, tablecloths, and most notably, Ugandan birthing mats. Conditions in third world nations such as Uganda regarding health standards are considerably low and thus a large amount of mothers and their newborns become susceptible to disease and infection upon childbirth in unsterile environments. Mats made out of this eco friendly substance provide a sanitized place for mothers to have their babies. Many clubs have already begun creating plarn and constructing mats. Doing so requires a few simple steps and very little time. First off, have club members collect plastic bags like those that would be used at a grocery store. Once you have collected a sufficient amount of bags, take one and flatten it. Afterwards, fold it in half lengthwise. Now you must fold it lengthwise one again and proceed to cut the bag into one inch strips. At this point, the plarn maker takes each strip and loops them together to form a knot. After a strand or two is complete, the loops can be rolled together into a plarn ball. And voilĂ ! A plarn ball is made! Plarn can be made at anytime, especially and most efficiently during club meetings. Encourage club members to plarn while meetings take place, as well as shortly after. This provides clubbers a way to utilize their time most productively by helping out the world with their plarning while attending the meeting. The importance of plarn cannot be stressed enough. The birthing mats made from plarn indubitably save countless lives each year. The diseases and death that often result from unclean births are absolutely preventable and will hopefully be eradicated through the use of such mats and the making of plarn. Jordan Goldstein February-March 2012
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The Academy
O
n February 18, parents around the city of Cypress got ready to go out for a weekend Valentine’s date just as Cy-Woods Key Clubbers made their way over to K2 Academy. The club members were going to work and play with the mentally handicapped children of the parents during open gym time at the Academy, giving the parents a much needed break and the time to go out and celebrate like everyone other couple. Throughout the night, many members got to meet and interact with children of all ages who had varying disabilities: Down Syndrome, Autism, and more. They weren’t there as babysitters, though. It soon became clear that the children were more than capable of handling themselves, as a shockingly strong seven year old climbed his way up a rope and merely hung out high above the heads of all admiring onlookers. It was then that the Key Clubbers realized how much fun being with these kids could be, and the volunteering event simultaneously turned into a fun night of play for members. Trampolines, balance beams, foam pits and more, there were child-Key Club partner groups all over the gym playing games and having fun. By the end of the night, every single person attending, child and Key Clubber alike, made at least one new and unexpected friend. The Cy-Woods Key Clubbers gave the kids the love and attention that they deserved--and they didn’t do it to try to make the kids feel special. They were simply interacting as if they would one of their friends, treating the kids as the normal people they were and giving them a fun night to remember. The parents came back and were unequivocally grateful for the night out that the club provided the opportunity for, and the members thanked the parents for the opportunity to work with such incredible children.
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February-March 2012
Andy Foulds February-March 2012
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Chicken Soup for the Key Clubber’s
Soul
There are the stories that leave you with a smile on your cheeks,
sour taste
There are the stories that leave you with that . There are the novels that are written kind of scrappy, Then there are those that are carefully laced. Hole by hole the stories are weaved, Until one day the stories come together one by one - forming a book, carefully faced. The stories of Key Club have come together since 1925, A stronghold binding - 100 years alive. Hundreds of thousands of members adding their personal story to this endless book, Volunteering - this story’s strongest hook. Students all over the world make their mark, From the Americans of the U.S. All the way to the civilians of Budapest, This story has no ending, What’s the next event that you’ll be attending?
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Steven Dang February-March 2012
T-O SPOTLIGHT: Passion
A
s Mother Teresa once said, “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” During the month of February, Key Clubbers were given the opportunity to spread some love to children with mental and social disabilities with a Respite at K2 Academy. Throughout the night, volunteers were able to develop relationships with children of all ages and backgrounds while serving as role-models for these children. From an Arts and Crafts session to a free play in the Gymnastics arena, volunteers interacted and created an enjoyable atmosphere for boys and girls alike. Key Clubbers worked with a newfound zest for volunteerism to ensure
‘‘
‘‘zest for
that each child was able to enjoy a night of independence and individuality. The love that was expressed throughout the night was empowering for every child, parent, and volunteer that participated in the Respite. Key Club Secretary Catie Cowden stated that K2 Academy’s Respite is one of her favorite events throughout the year because of the connection that develops between a child and a volunteer. As the month comes to a close, Key Club hopes to expand the outlook of its members, while teaching individuals that “small things with great love” are the greatest service of all.
volunteerism
Gaurav Lalsinghani Cypress Woods Key Club Member
February-March 2012
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Stack
W
TOP the to
hen you normally hear clapping or cheering coming from proud parents, it is usually found at an outdoor sporting event, such as basketball, football, and soccer, or during an awards ceremony. Yet, when I heard these sounds, they weren’t at an outdoor sporting event but at the annual cup stacking tournament at Goodson Middle School. At this event, I judged children from the ages as young as five to thirteen, watching large amounts of talent and precision in their abilities to stack cups at great speeds. My day began walking into the preliminary rounds of the competition. I was judging the seven-year old participants, for whom this might have been their first year participating. They were tasked with completing the 3-3-3, which was an event where they stacked up pyramids of 3 cups and then took them down. After the 3-3-3 they would complete the 3-6-3 which followed the same guidelines as the 3-3-3. After the 3-6-3, would be the Cycle, which is perhaps the most difficult because it involved stacking up the cups the same as the 3-6-3 then after taking the cups down, the cups would be divided into two towers of 6 cups each. They would then stack both towers into pyramids after which they take the pyramids down and then combine the cups into one tower and then build up into one grand pyramid before finishing in the 3-6-3 stance. Also with the singles divisions were the doubles divisions where two competitors would work as one stacker using only one hand depending where
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February-March 2012
they stood to stack the Cycle. When the preliminaries were completed, next were the team relays where a majority of teams worked against each other and the clock to advance into the next round. The teams completed the 3-6-3. With the 3-6-3 team relays the first person would start the clock and each contestant on the team would stack the 3-6-3, after the last person has stacked, he or she would stop the clock and the judges would compare scores and times to determine the winner. Finally were the finals where the top 5 in each division would participate in head to head times. During this time, cameras would be set up to record the contestants stacking but there are two reasons for these cameras: one is to record the contestants in case they surpass and set new records, and another is to check whether or not they made a mistake and the time is not recorded as by this time, a majority of the competitors move too fast for the judges to properly observe. During these events I witnessed many competitors moving at varying paces. The little kids would move at a speed many might describe as a snail’s pace while the older competitors might be moving as fast as a fighter jet. But no matter what speed the little kids were moving at, the whole goal was neither their ability nor speed at stacking, but for them to have fun. Witnessing the number of smiles and laughter from the kids, as well as cheering from excited parents, I can tell without a doubt that this goal was accomplished in soaring numbers. Dang Dinh
February-March 2012
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August 2011
KEY CLUB’S MAJOR EMPHASIS “Children: Their Future, Our Focus”
I
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.
February-March 2012
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Start ‘em Young W hat if one decision affected someone’s life forever? Or the creation of a program changed a child’s life drastically? If the world spent more money on helping kids with poverty and sickness, it would be a much better place.
In our club, we have begun participating in an amazing organization at Arnold Middle School, called Builder’s Club. This is sponsored by Key Club and is committed to allowing children in middle school start volunteering. With love and care, many officers have gone to each meeting wanting to see the bright faces of our future. Not only do we want to see more children volunteer, but we want to see them be actively involved in the community! When the kids in Builder’s Club look back on their middle school years they will distinctly remember what the club stood for and have a head start on volunteering. If more clubs would start a Builder’s Club then more children would continue with the organization throughout their high school years. Builder’s Club has a special meaning to me because I went to Arnold and I wish we could’ve had the club formed. With the creation of the club, children will learn more about what the true meaning of volunteering is. Love, patience, and hard work are the key to a fantastic Key Club and a relationship with peers.
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February-March 2012
Courtney Cernosek
Friends of
E
xcuse me, Miss. Are you the President?” A small boy asked me. “Yes, I am. Can I help you with anything?” “No,” the boy sneered as he simultaneously brought two water guns out from behind his back. “NO!” I screamed hurrying to get away, but my vice president, Luveen Sekhon, and the other members volunteering with us just cheered him on. “Get HER!” they yelled. The 5-year old ran after me spraying me with his water guns, and when they ran out of water, the Key Club volunteers just reloaded his weapon. It started with only one child, but as others saw how fun it was shooting water at an innocent, screaming volunteer, the number of children chasing me quickly grew. I GOT SOAKED! But…I
“
had never had so much fun at an event that I volunteered at. Every year the Lakewood Oak Estates Swim Team hosts a pep rally for the final meet of the season. Cy-Fair Key Club annually volunteers at this pep rally. Having so many kids running, playing, and having fun is the only purpose of this event. And we succeeded. The father of the infamous little boy who joyfully drenched me with water, came up to me and the other Key Club volunteers exclaiming how grateful
A G E S
ll
he was for our help. He said that he would gladly support us and get the word out about the car wash that we were having the following day. Our volunteering established a support base for us. Austin, the name of the water gun holder, played games with me until the end of the event. I not only succeeded in making a child, I succeeded in making a new friend! Deborah Owolabi
February-March 2012
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T-O SPOTLIGHT: Passion
H
ow does it feel to live on the streets? How does it feel to have lost a home even while trying your best to make a good life for your family? I am not a person who can instill knowledge and move people’s minds. But, I must ask this question…. How often does it happen but nobody listens, nobody looks… People avert their eyes and don’t try to help. What is right in this action? Habitat for Humanity! Truly, it is for a just cause. It is no blind act of charity. In it, they have regulations to observe whether these people who will receive houses seem to have enough financial gains and the willingness to keep the house. They also require the family to help build other people’s houses along with their own. Is it true that this somewhat dampens the random charity? Yes, yes it does… However, it is a realistic approach to such troubled times. What this tests is not only the ability to maintain the house once it is received, but the perseverance of the people to work hard for their home. In their hard work, they will receive the assistance of organizations such as Key Club, church groups, and other charitable clubs. On that day, we built a fence and layer the
area out in preparation for houses to be constructed. This might seem simple and meaningless… Huh? All you did was build a fence? That’s dull! It might seem simple, but, think of it this way. You are working next to the very people who will live in a house in this neighborhood soon. Also, at the end of your work, you look back and see a new fence that has multiplied from but 1/4th done to nigh on complete. That dark little section at the far end is where the fence once was. All of the bright wood was added just in that day, this picture didn’t even include the entire new fence added in that day. It was truly an inspiring event to work with such dedicated people who were working to make their lives better and have a roof over their head. That is a beautiful sight.
Bryce Jordan
Cypress Fair Key Club Webmaster
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February-March 2012
BOWLS OF HOPE
S
everal shuffled in, bound by the bondage of destitution, armed with nothing more than an empty bowl and an open heart. The difference between us was obvious. They had dilapidated, soiled clothes, while we had pristine, white aprons and hair nets. However, despite the evident differentiation, there was a sentiment of mutualism clearly swirling about in the air. Some were ready to give, whereas the others were ready to receive. Both groups dearly needed each other. The mandate was given and the creation of the food commenced. The cooking made rapid advancement and almost immediately the fragrant aromas wafted into everyone’s noses. A feeling of warmth disseminated throughout the atmosphere, a feeling not expressed simply because of the warming food. When all the tedious cooking and kitchen work was completed, servants came to dish it out. Patiently, all awaited their share of mouth-watering food. Everyone clutched a Styrofoam plate and once all were served, every person took a seat to enjoy their scrumptious meals. Contentment filled the air and beams swiftly spread to every single countenance in the kitchen. The banquet blissfully continued until feasting Chris could be done no more. By the time it was all over, all had full stomachs, full hearts, Larry and full hope. February-March 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