As the junior branch of the Kiwanis Club, KEY Club empowers students to make a positive impact, guided by values of Leadership, Character Building, Inclusiveness, and Caring.
Throughout the school year, NCHS Key Club demonstrated a commitment to giving back, fostering community service, and exemplifying strong character. From supporting local families in need to forming meaningful connections with the community, students went above and beyond to make a difference. Early in the year, the club volunteered time packing food boxes for Food for Thought and the Wyoming Salvation Army, carefully organizing essential pantry staples to help ensure that those in need had meals during the holiday season.
Partnering with the Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast, students volunteered to assist in every aspect of the annual community event, giving them some pancake flipping practice for later in the year when they joined school staff to serve yummy pancakes to classmates during WYTOPP testing week.
In February, members brought Valentine’s cheer to residents of Shepherd of the Valley retirement home, where they shared an afternoon making handmade valentines, playing games, and enjoying each other's company.
A highlight of the year for many was their collaboration with Kelly Walsh High School’s KEY Club, where students joined together to create no-sew fleece blankets for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, offering warmth and comfort during difficult times.
As KEY Club wraps up another incredible year, students shared their reflections on what it means to serve with purpose:
“My favorite project was definitely visiting the Nursing Home and playing games with the residents. I think going there made us happy to help out, but I think it made the people there happy to have new people come spend time with them. It was really nice to do outreach and see how it affects the people we are around. The most important thing I have learned is that making a difference is not as daunting as it seems; just putting in a little bit of effort and research, you can find ways to help.” ~ Tayler Zanolli
“We started out as a very small group, and because we have gone out and done so many things, we have gained so many people into our group. I think over the next few years, we are going to gain so many more people and be able to help the community so much more.” ~Annabelle Simons
“I attended a Leadership Seminar this summer, and it really opened my eyes to all the things we could be doing in the community to make it a better place. Key Club members try to take initiative in community service, but also try to teach people to try and be leaders so that when they take part in volunteering. We want to be the change.” ~ Abigail George
“Key Club is a great organization with a good purpose, and it is so empowering to see just the simple things we do have such a great benefit on numerous people. Giving back is important because the community is only as strong as you build it up. You get to see what you have done and how it makes a difference, but then you can also inspire others to do the same thing and create a circle of service.” ~ Austin Vondra
“The most important thing I have learned from Key Club is that it doesn’t take a whole group to make a difference, it can just be you who makes it.It is important to give back to the community because it helps you understand your community a lot better, and understand what they want to do and who they want to be as they grow.” ~ Izzy Lloyd
“My favorite project is packing boxes for The Salvation Army and Wyoming Food for Thought because it’s going for a good cause, and it makes me feel happy to know that there are people out there getting things they need.” ~ Ava Mahan
“It is important to give back to the community because it shows people that it is okay to be a good person, and you don’t have to do things to make people feel down. It shows people that it is okay to give to other people when you have so much.” ~ Lexie Baker
Natrona County High School is committed to preparing responsible, lifelong learners who value themselves, contribute to society, and succeed in an ever-changing world.