The Capital District Kiwanis Key Clubs Hold Their 62^nd Annual Leadership Conference in Arlington; Over 1,000 Key Clubbers & Guests "Just Serve It"!

by Bob Cressy, Past CDK Governor … A Photo Essay

Arlington-Crystal City, Virginia - March 25-27, 2011

"Just Serve It" was the sport theme for the 62^nd Capital District Key Club Convention held in the elegant Hyatt Regency in Arlington, Virginia's, Crystal City, near the Reagan National Airport.  And 'Serve It Up, They Did'! 

Capital District  Conventions … Key Club, CKI and Kiwanis … are times to bring ourselves, our team, our leaders together from throughout all parts of our CDK country.  To the north in Maryland reaching to the Pennsylvania border, south through Washington to Williamsburg, Norfolk stretching down to North Carolina's border, and east  from the Atlantic Ocean to Shenandoah's Blue Ridge Mountains, the Kiwanis Family brings its ideas, leadership skills, camaraderie and just plain FUN loving spirit to learn and share with one another.  Don't miss them!

It started with a yell!  The Opening Session began at 8 P.M. Friday Evening in the huge Regency Ballroom with over 1,000 Key Clubbers from Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia trying to out cheer and, yes, out-yell  their brother-sister Key Club Divisions to see who had the most spirit.

The photos are like watching a silent movie (that's a movie with no sound, folks) … as good as they may be, you really had to be there momentarily losing your hearing to appreciate real spirit.  They were dressed in colorful soccer outfits, field hockey uniforms, and with football, baseball and other team sport gear.  Kiwanis and Faculty Advisors sprinkled through the crowd … enjoyed it … and some stayed out of the way, and some yelled along.   It was GREAT!

For Kiwanians who were attending their first Key Club District Convention, one of their first thoughts had to be "WOW"!  For others who have been before, it's still "WOW"!  It is so important to realize that we are a Kiwanis International Family … K-Kids, Builder's Clubs, Key Clubs, CKI, Aktion Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs.  Attending a Sponsored Leadership Program like this certainly brings home that Kiwanis' most important products are supporting our SLP clubs and our Community Service projects.  There's your one minute sales speech, Kiwanians!

A Capital District Key Club DCON is a Fantastic Experience for ALL

There is no , I repeat 'no', substitute for actually being at the DCON and seeing, hearing and participating in the DCON to really appreciate what these terrific high school students can do and are doing.  Lacking that, we'll give you a taste with this article and the Photo Essay. 

There are over 14,000 Key Clubbers in the 26 Divisions of our three states and the District of Columbia.  And there are over 250,000 in Key Club International. Every Key Club is sponsored by a Kiwanis Club.  Some Kiwanis Clubs sponsor two, three or more!  And some high schools would like to have a Key Club but can't find a Kiwanis sponsor.  Check with your Key Club Zone Administrator for opportunities near your club.

Key Club International President Xin-Lei Wang

The opening program notes and thoughts from Xin-Lei Wang, President, Key Club International, applies to all of us.  He stated: "As you catch the fun and excitement of the District Leadership Conference … please spare a moment to contemplate why you joined Key Club.  Was it because of friends?  Was it because you wanted to add another row on your Common Application?  Was it because you enjoyed service?  …  The reason you joined doesn't matter.  While service may be the most sought after answer, what matters is that you have learned about the meaning of service during your time in Key Club."

Xin-Lei continues, "Service means helping others.  So why not help others to understand the meaning of service?  Give part of your passion to your fellow students. Congratulations!"   Kiwanians, you now have the other half of your elevator speech to 'sell' Kiwanis … and A.S.K.

The Weekend's Program Highlights … and the Photo Essay

Now in the Photo Essay attached you'll be able to see in chronological highlight pictures an overview of the Key Club District Convention.  You can see the friendship in their faces and smiles.  You can also see the poise, presence, leadership qualities, and yes the craziness that inspires 1,000 + people to attend.

The DCON began early Friday morning for the Key Club Board and with the extensive set up of facilities.  Early registration opened and they were ready.  'Key' leaders were ready.  As Kiwanis Family members checked in, dinner was on your own.  Many Kiwanians and Key Clubbers went off to area restaurants to have dinner together.

The BIG Opening Session in the Regency Ballroom started at 7:30 P.M. with cheering and a gala spirit you would not believe if you hadn't heard it.  Clad in colorful divisional tee shirts, the competition was on to see which division had the loudest and best choreographed cheering sessions.  This is the crazy part, by the way.  Taking no favorites' although this was the area I was in, the loudest two were Divisions 17 and 22 … and by my decibel readings Division 22 of Southern Maryland was the winner!  Now see those photos.

District Key Club Governor Rachel Slotter, Stephen Decatur High School Key Club, Ocean City, Maryland, ran in dressed in her field hockey uniform to a standing ovation.  After things calmed a bit, Rachael officially opened the Convention with a Call to Order and a gong of the bell. All stood for the Presentation of the Colors by the Fishburne Military School Color Guard (also a Key Club).  In the Kiwanis Family tradition, the Pledge of Allegiance, our National Anthem was sung (by Erin Roberts), the Key Club Pledge, then concluded by the Invocation (by Jane Oh).  It makes you proud to be there.

It was a great and enthusiastic beginning.  Among the many guests introduced was CKI District Governor Brian Cofrancesco who presented the Kiwanis Family's new world-wide service emphasis "The Eliminate Project", the eradication of tetanus disease by the end of 2015.

The Key Note Speaker at the opening session Friday was Craig Melvin, 1996-1997 Key Club International President elected at the 1996 ICON in Miami Beach.  He is the first African-American to serve in that role and was a LTG in the Carolina's District.  Craig now anchors the weekend edition of News4 at 6 and 11 P.M. in Washington, DC.  He spoke of what he has gained by taking leadership positions in Key Club, and what he sees and reports as a newscaster with the sad stories he must often report.  He emphasized the importance of serving your school and communities.  He is very personable and accomplished.  His own motivation inspired his audience.   Well delivered.

The Friday night social and dance followed.  Have you ever seen about a thousand young people dance together?  It happened.  Twice.  Friday and Saturday.  You had to see it.  It was good … fine, and immensely popular as you can imagine.  Kiwanians and faculty advisors chaperoned. 

Bright and early (7:30 AM) Saturday the General Session again began with the traditional K-Family opening.  The highlight of this morning session is always the greetings from each member organization's governor from K-Kids, Builder's Clubs, Key Club, CKI and Kiwanis.   Matt Harper, Key Club International Trustee gave his greetings and message. 

Capital District Kiwanis Governor Tom Varner pledged continuing Kiwanis support for Key clubs and took an opportunity to speak of a coincidence that occurred the previous night at our hotel.  About twenty Winners of the United States' highest military award, the 'Congressional Medal of Honor' stayed in the hotel after being honored at the White House by the President.  These heroes have earned our country's greatest respect through their deeds and service.  Governor Tom, a decorated Vietnam veteran, paid them tribute.  Thank you.

Workshop sessions were offered to Key Clubbers and Kiwanians during the day followed by Caucus meetings by Divisions to meet and hear the candidates for district office for 2011-2012.   Educational sessions also included:

            Children's Miracle Network                      Club Excellence

            Community Involvement                            Club Editors

            The Eliminate Project                                From Key Club to CKI

            Fundraising                                               Impact of Volunteering

            Key Club Basics (Good for Kiwanians)     Key Leader Weekend

            The Kiwanis Family                                   Leadership Skills

            Presidents & Vice Presidents                     Treasurers & Secretaries

Now who would say there are not things to learn & offer at a DCON?  That goes for the Kiwanis DCON in Williamsburg in August as well.  Your turn.  Represent your club.  Help support your Key Club's attendance at their DCON, ICON and the Fall Rally.

Saturday Evening:  The Awards Banquet Dinner

This evening is the Awards Banquet Dinner where all dress Semi-Formally (looking real good) for the annual presentations to outstanding members and clubs for the service they perform during the year.  The quest to win an award through demonstrated leadership and effective, meaningful school & community service deserves recognition.  This is the time.

Now is the time, too, to see the Photo Essay showing the district leadership, team, award winners, talent, oratory, and scholarship winners based on the criteria established.  The cheering continued, rightfully so.  Take a look.

The last dance followed.  Still popular … for some reason.   Okay, I know.

Sunday Morning:  Election of Officers and the Board

In the final half day, the House of Delegates session begins with the Candidate's Speech to the delegates and the elections are held.  Delegates are elected by each club to evaluate and elect the Key Cub Officers and Board for 2011-2012.  Final annual district reports of the 2010-11 Officers are given.

The Farewell Session, after breakfast, now brings forth the 'Above & Beyond" Awards … the awards to Outstanding Club Editor, Treasurer, Secretary, VP and President, plus special awards (photos).  The current Board is retired by Kiwanis Key Club Administrator Mr. Joe Stankus and Kiwanis Governor Tom Varner. The now 2011-2012 Key Club Board is installed by Mr. Stankus and Kiwanis Governor Elect Jeff Wolff.  The Key Club Gavel is passed from Governor Rachael Slotter to new Governor Caroline Morris.  Congratulations to ALL !