Kiwanis charters Middle School Leadership Program

Students introduced to Service Club purposes, activities

Twenty-two St. Johns Middle School students were inducted into a Kiwanis Club sponsored leadership program recently with ceremonies conducted at their school during an evening ceremony. Along with another Kiwanis sponsored youth program, “Aktion Club,” the newest endeavor, “Builders Club” places emphasis on building leaders to identify beneficial projects, that when carried out, will be of assistance to others.

According to Rebecca Maleski, 6 grade science teacher and Builder’s Club advisor, the organization is a student-led service club for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and open to anyone wishing to join. Those who become members are introduced to the selection and implementation of various community service projects in the school and throughout the community.

The charter presentation, held January 29, included not only Ms Maleski, but also a number of Kiwanis members. Ken Perrin, Kiwanis Vice President, presented the opening remarks. Along with local members, District 707 Governor Denny Kiroff was guest speaker and Lt. Governor Bill Gohier performed the installation of officers. Harry Spenny, Builders Club Administrator presented the closing remarks.

The objective of the Builders Club includes four directives enforcing its motto, “We Build.” Those four are:

· To provide opportunities for working together in service to school and community.

· To develop leadership potential.

· To foster the development of a strong moral character.

· To encourage loyalty to school, community and nation.

Charter members of the club are Olivia Bouck, president; Kylie Hollis, vice-president; Masen Peiters, treasurer and Hannah VanValkenburg, secretary. Charter board members are Katherine Harry, sixth grade; Bree Gaffney, seventh grade and Zach Bouck, eighth grade. Kiwanis advisors to the group are Chris Bouck, Jeanne Irrer, Bill Richards and Denise Uribe.

Members and guests enjoyed refreshments following the ceremony.

Alphabetically, those comprising the initial membership are:

Erin Briggs, Olivia Bouck, Zach Bouck, Alexandra Davis, Stephanie Ebert, Bree Gaffney, Katherine Harry, Kylie Hollis, Carson Kellogg, Jamie Nemcik, Nemcik, Masen Pieters, Robert Rooks, Nicole Salander, Ashlyn Seibert, Jenna Sillman, Josie Sillman, Caitlyn Theis, Margo Thelen, Sara Uribe, Tyler Vallance, Hannah VanValkenburg and Caleb Woodruff.