Olivia Shim
Why Should You Join the GA District Board and Key Club?
Written By: Caroline Montgomery, Angela Lee, Jaehun Baek, Julianna Dela Torriente, Charlee Reynolds
Why Should You Join Key Club?
Caroline Mei Montgomery Key Club Secretary of Southwest Georgia Homeschool Association
I initially joined Key Club because my older sister was in it. I expected that I would just
attend meetings and help with Key Club’s annual service projects. I never imagined that I would feel as accomplished as I did or make as many friends.
Joining Key Club at first was just something to improve my college resume, but as I
continued to participate, it became so much more. After every service project, I came home feeling as if I, an ordinary high schooler, made a difference. I served globally, by collecting money for UNICEF to help Zambia. I served locally by making 100 bagged lunches for the Albany Rescue Mission. I also served within my school by cleaning the building one afternoon. I had these opportunities to make differences through Key Club.
Not only had Key Club given me so many opportunities to serve, but it also gave me new relationships. During every service project and meeting, I made so many new friends. Key Club became a group of friends all serving rather than a club working. The friendly and welcoming environment made some projects, such as Stash The Trash, enjoyable.
I joined Key Club out of expectation, but its rewarding service projects and lasting
friendships are the reasons I still participate today.

Angela Lee: LTG of Division 4
As I was entering my first day of high school, I was overwhelmed by what clubs I should sign up for. Luckily our high school was hosting a Club Rush where all the clubs congregated in the school lunch room and showcased their clubs. And that's where I found Key Club.
At first, I thought Key Club was a small community service club that a couple of students made, however as I joined their first club meeting I soon learned that Key Club was more than that. After attending my first community service project with them, I knew I wanted to let all my other friends know and join Key Club. Learning that Key Club is the biggest student-led organization, inspired me to join.
As I work alongside them helping out in my community, I learned the values of what it means to be a part of not only a school club, but an organization that stretches internationally. Joining Key Club allowed me to meet new friends as well as keep parks clean, and invoke my enjoyment in community service.
I'm honored that I was able to be a part of the Key Club district board since it allowed me to deeply understand the responsibility and the hard work that plays into becoming a Key Club member.

Why Should You Join the GA District Board?
Julianna Dela Torriente : LTG of Division 11
My name is Julianna Dela Torriente, and I’ve been a part of Key Club for two years, you can ask anyone that when I went to our first board meeting I was a fish out of the blue! Being reasonably new to Key Club I was so nervous about taking a big step from being a member to being a part of the district board, however as my time comes to an end on the board, I’ve never been so thankful for an opportunity.
As an LTG, I’ve met amazing people who want to spread the ideas of leadership and volunteering. As well as experiencing ICON which took place in Washington DC over the summer, ICON gave me lasting memories that I will always cherish. Furthermore, everyone on the board is amazing, I could have never imagined not being a part of such a great organization. As an LTG it's my job to stay in good communication with all my clubs, I send out monthly emails and am always texting my club officers for updates, and I also help with organizing service events.
Therefore coming from a person who was new to everything about Key Club it can sound super intimating or scary to try something new. Although I can’t express how much I’ve loved being a part of the district board and I think if anyone has a chance or interest in becoming inducted onto the board I would 100% recommend you do it.


Jaehun Baek: LTG of Division 15
As a district board member for Georgia Key Club, I have had the opportunity to be a part of a truly impactful organization. Key Club is a service-focused organization that provides its members with the chance to make a positive difference in their community. Through the various volunteer opportunities and events that the club organizes, I have been able to not only give back to my community, but also develop important leadership skills and form lasting relationships.
Being a district board member has given me an even greater level of involvement in Key Club and has allowed me to take on a leadership role within the organization. I have had the chance to plan and implement events, communicate with other members and board members, and work towards the goal of making a positive impact.
I believe that every member should consider joining Key Club, as it is a great way to get involved in your community and develop important skills. Whether you are looking to improve your leadership skills, meet new people, or simply give back to your community, Key Club is the perfect opportunity. Key Club is also a great way to build your resume and gain experience for college and future careers :D
And so, I highly recommend joining Georgia Key Club! Not only will you have the opportunity to make a positive impact in your community, but you will also gain valuable experience and develop important skills that will serve you well in the future. I am confident that you will find your experience with Key Club to be incredibly rewarding, just as I have.

Charlee Reynolds: LTG of Division 12
My experience with serving on the District Board was very different than others. I applied for District Board, after the 2022 SLC. I applied and went through a video interview. Once I was accepted onto District Board, I attended an online training. Most Lieutenant Governors serve the division that their home club is in. However, I served Key Clubs in the Southwest Georgia region, Division 12. I completely had to readapt and find other ways to get in touch with these clubs. I sent various emails and called school principals, Kiwanis advisors, past Key Club advisors, etc. It took a lot to stay consistent with my clubs and make sure they were getting the information they needed to remain successful.
I had a great time meeting new people and making new memories. District Board consists of people all over the state of Georgia, who all have one thing in common, serving our community and leading with compassion. Serving on District Board is very time consuming, however, we have the most fun leading others. It has been such a pleasure to serve on District Board and an experience that has grown me so much as a leader and as a person. I highly suggest applying, it’s an experience you do not want to miss out on!

If you are interested in joining the Georgia District Board, visit https://www.gakeyclub.org/elections ! Applications for the Georgia District Board are due February 19th at 11:59pm, and all candidates must attend the Service and Leadership Conference. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to editor@gakeyclub.org.
