Key Club is an international organization for high school students meant to build service and leadership within communities. The Olympic Heights Key Club chapter has modeled itself to be a community service club that actively works to benefit both the local and global environment and society. From beach clean-ups to holiday cards for children to sandwiches for the homeless, Key Club is solely focused on improving the world. 

“I pledge, on my honor, to uphold the Objects of Key Club International; to build my home, school and community; to serve my nation and God; and combat all forces which tend to undermine these institutions.” This pledge is spoken at the beginning of every Key Club meeting to remind the members of the true goals of the club. 

During the first meeting of the year, the members of Key Club upheld this pledge by completing their annual PB&J Drive, making sandwiches for the homeless. Students have donated an overflowing amount of peanut butter, jelly, and bread to help with the efforts of making the sandwiches.

Along with helping the homeless, the club has consistently promoted helping the environment in small ways that could have large, long-term effects. The club is trying to encourage sustainability among the students by selling metal water bottles. In addition to the water bottles, the club participates in many of the beach clean-ups that are hosted by student government or other clubs. 

Key Club is a completely student-run club, so the students are exposed to life skills such as cooperation and leadership. “The kids get to see other kids doing these awesome projects for these awesome charities, and just become a little more inspired,” says Key Club faculty adviser Mr. Paul Weiland. “So, you become more down to earth, you become a better leader, you’re better at time management, organization, and just everything from top to bottom of character building.”

The Key Club organization is separated by divisions under the Florida district, so every year all the divisions in Florida come together to learn more about the club and get to know each other in order to continue the growth of the club. The main event that brings all Key Clubbers together is DCON or District Convention. This convention is a favorite of the officers because it helps them create unforgettable connections. Gabriella Petillo, sophomore class director, says that it is her favorite moment as an officer because it improved the officer board at this school and helped them get closer.

Joining  Key Club can shape how students see the world and what they can do to affect their community. The goals of the club become the students’ personal goals because of the positive change that Key Club promotes. Key Club president C.J. Vyazmemsky did not believe she would become as involved in the club as she was, but now she says, “It has been completely life-changing for me being in this club because it has given me the chance to completely grow as a person.”