Though it sounds like a club for key connoisseurs, Key Club focuses on making an impact on and getting its members involved with the community. As a community service club, it aims to provide volunteer opportunities for its students.

“Key Club is a great opportunity for students truly passionate about service to connect with one another and establish new initiatives at Cedar Park High School,” senior and president, Nick Doluisio, said.

Key Club is an international service organization founded in 1925. It’s in 38 countries and is sponsored by Kiwanis International, a global community of clubs, members and partners who advocate for service and volunteerism. Students in Key Club do all kinds of service projects, both LISD-sponsored and out-of-school activities. 

“One of my favorite volunteering activities last year was the Healthy Kids Running series,” sophomore secretary, Samantha Jameson, said. “We basically got to help organize races for children and cheer them on. It was fun because we got to see everyone come together and also see kids race each other to win. I definitely enjoyed helping out.”

The Key Club has more community service hours than any other Key Club in LISD. According to Key Club sponsor Amy Durden, it’s the most active and consistent of them all. 

“We are the most active in the district,” Durden said. “We really do prioritize the community around us at this school.”

Key Club members volunteer at LISD School Festivals, animal shelters, food pantries, blood drives, Habitat for Humanity, UNICEF, the LISD Clothes Closet and more. All of these opportunities help students who are in honor societies that require volunteering hours or are interested in helping out. 

“I have a memory of one of my first projects with Key Club, where I helped teach dance lessons to children with Down Syndrome through a non-profit called the Austin Artbeat Foundation,” Doluisio said. “It is an incredibly fulfilling feeling to put yourself in an entirely new situation and help those around you and bring joy to those who are underprivileged.”

All students are invited to join. Dues are $15 annually, and all members are required to complete five hours of community service each month. The club instills leadership skills into its members which will follow them throughout their adult life. 

“It’s just incredibly valuable to be involved in something like this,” Durden said. “ Key Club provides high school students with invaluable experience in living and working together and  prepares them for useful citizenship. It teaches valuable leadership skills and allows students to give back to the community and make the world a better place by helping and caring for others. In addition, the social aspect of being surrounded by others who choose to serve is very rewarding.”

Students can continue volunteering in college in the collegiate branch of Kiwanis International, Circle K, and then continue afterwards in Kiwanis International. Key Club meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:45 a.m. in Durden’s room, 5004. 

“I’d really recommend students to join,” Jameson said. “I’ve made some great friends and memories which I’ve held onto, and I hope other students will experience the same thing I have as well.”

Key Club’s future in the community is expanding. The officers have recently voted to start a new chapter of Key Club with The University of Texas at Austin’s non-profit Texas Thon, which promotes funding and awareness for cancer research at the Dell Children’s Medical Center. 

“This partnership with UT is not only for a good cause, but is also a partnership and connection with the university, students and staff exclusive to our chapter,” Doluisio said. “Key Club is more than just Cedar Park students; it is the entire organization. The community of Key Club is so special in that it connects you to service-loving individuals across the country.”