Key Club, established in 1925, is the oldest and largest service program especially for high school students. Its success is tied to the fact that it is a student-led organization that teaches leadership through serving others. Members of the Kiwanis International family, Key Club members build themselves as they build their schools and communities while living their motto - "Caring - Our Way of Life." In the process they become more aware of community needs as they develop their own skills, especially in relating well to others. The Key Club at Valley Lutheran was established in September 2006 and is advised by Lori Milroy.
The Key Club Mission Statement
Key Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.
The Key Club Newsletter
The Key Club publishes a regular newsletter that keeps members informed regarding Key Club news and volunteer opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I join Key Club?
Attend the regularly scheduled meetings that are announced in the student announcements and complete the General Membership Sign-up form that is available here or in the school office.
How often do I have to come to meetings?
We meet weekly and members have to attend 75% of the meetings.
How many service hours do I need?
The Key Club national standard is 50 hours. You can still be a member if you don't meet this requirement.
How do I record my service hours?
A form for recording service hours is able in the school resource center or you may download it here.
Are there dues?
Yes, our club is required to pay dues to the National Key Club. Our dues are $15 for the school year.
What is a Key Club year?
May 1 - April 30 of the next year
Is Key Club open to all 9- 12 grades?
Yes!
When can freshmen join?
Freshmen join in the fall. Dues must be paid by October.
What kind of volunteer opportunities are there?
We volunteer through United Way agencies, churches, schools, and anyone else who needs help. You can find out about opportunities through the United Way on-line at www.1-800-volunteer.org.
Volunteer opportunities and sign-up sheets are located in the school Resource Center. Additional opportunites and Key Club news in published in the newsletter.
Graduation Medallion
A manifestation of our faith in Jesus is that we honor all he has done for us by doing good for others. At Valley Lutheran, the Key Club provides a structure whereby students can do good for others in the community. To recognize commitment to this ideal over and above what might normally be expected of a high school student, those who meet the following criteria will be presented with a Key Club medallion at the Senior Awards Banquet (traditionally the third week in May).
Students awarded a medallion must be a Key Club member in good standing during their entire junior and senior years. This means:
- Key Club meeting attendance requirements must be met to qualify for a medallion. Students must attend 75% of regular Key Club meetings. The Key Club will follow the school attendance policy for illness, family reasons, school activities and the like.
- All Key Club dues must be paid in full. Hours may only be accrued to meet the requirements for a medallion when a student is a paid member. Dues are paid in May for the next school year. For those joining in fall, dues must be paid by October 1.
- For all Key Club members, medallion eligibility is based upon completing 50 service hours per fiscal year May 1 through April 30. For example, a sophomore must pay their dues for their junior year by May 1 and complete 50 service hours prior to April 30th of their junior year.
- As part of the service hour requirement, at least ten hours and two different activities must be Key Club sponsored activities. At least one of the Key Club sponsored activities must take place outside of the school building. Any activity mentioned in the Key Club newsletter will qualify as a Key Club sponsored activity unless otherwise specifically noted. Also, any volunteer work with a United Way affiliated agency or similar not-for-profit entity can meet the ten hour requirement. In addition, activities other than Key Club sponsored opportunities will be limited to ten hours (toward the total of 50) per activity per year. An example would be a specific volunteer activity associated with the student’s church or Valley Lutheran High School.
- All questions regarding eligibility of volunteer hours should first be directed to the faculty advisor. The decision regarding eligibility of hours will rest with the faculty advisor and the principal.
- Students will have access to and may audit their ongoing cumulative hours throughout the year. While the primary responsibility to track hours lies with the student, the faculty advisor will provide reminders via the Key Club newsletter. A final assessment for seniors will take place after April 30 but before the senior banquet.
United Way Service Award Rules
The United Way also recognizes outstanding community service. You can find out more about their requirements on-line at www.unitedwaysaginaw.org or by downloading it here.