By Katelyn Elder
Warrior
Utica HS
Division 3, Yearbook
Organizations Writing
Selflessness is a trait that can’t be taught in school. While school clubs provide positive after-school activities for students, there are a few clubs that are community, rather than student centered. These clubs, including Hispanic Honor Society and Key Club, participate in larger charity events that contribute to a brighter community.
Hispanic Honor Society annually participates in the American Cancer Society’s event, Relay for Life, in the springtime at River Bends Park.
“It honestly seems like the group grows more and more every time,” teacher Julie Wright said. “It’s a great feeling to be able to see all the kids that show up, and see that they like to support the charities.”
While Relay for Life is well-known around the country, Key Club members took advantage of a unique way to bring joy to senior citizens in the community. Several students participated in an event at of the Villas of Shelby Senior Living Home by throwing a “senior” prom.
“Dancing with the seniors and seeing them smile,” senior Faith Dues said, “made me feel really good.”
Students say that they don’t mind attending these types of charity events, and often find it to be the best thing about their club.
“Supporting the charities was the best part of HHS,” senior Christopher Kaschalk said. “We do a lot of different charity events and a lot of bonding stuff and fun activities.”
Many students felt the prom was good opportunity to work together and to get to know their classmates better.
“It felt good to go because I don’t really talk to the people that went,” senior Arienne Patano said, “so I got to make new friends.”
The senior citizens were especially appreciative of the club’s participation.
“Our culture and society often overlook senior citizens; you won’t find them on the cover of Glamour magazine,” director of the Villas of Shelby Senior Living Tonya Wilson said. “Yet senior citizens possess a beauty that radiates from the inside; captivating and unique for those that take the time to look.”
While some believe these types of events are simply resume builders, others wouldargue that the character building is even more significant.
“Community service offers [students] the opportunity to slow down and look deeper at individuals,” Wilson said, “to get a glimpse of the wisdom, passion and beauty of others whomever they encounter throughout their life time.”