From all the special clubs at Silverado, from small after-school hangouts to nation-wide organizations, Key Club is one of the biggest and brightest clubs on campus. It aims to change the community, allowing students to make a difference by giving them a voice and the power to help those around us. This year, a new president was elected who hopes to make big decisions that will influence Key Club and the school environment for the future.
Star: Can you tell me who you are and your relationship to Key Club?
Kailey Thomas: My name is Kailey Thomas, and I’m a senior here at Silverado. This is my fourth year of Key Club, and definitely the biggest. Over the years, I served as a member, the Historian, the Vice President, and now I serve as the club’s President. Throughout all of school, Key Club has remained a persistent responsibility and joy in my life.
Star: Can you describe what Key Club is, its values, name, and how you came to be president?
K.T: Key Club is a student-led organization devoted to serving the community, building leadership, and making friends, as well as being one of the biggest clubs in our school with over 30 members. In better terms, Key Club is a community service opportunity that also helps to strengthen social/speaking skills. (No, we don’t make keys.) I’ve been planning to run for President for three years now, and was given the opportunity to follow Sofia Baluyut, our president last term.
Star: What are the goals of Key Club this year, for you or the members as a whole?
K.T: I have ambitious goals this year. I know many people who have attended club in the past have described it in different ways, but I’m really putting an emphasis on not only making a lasting impact at Silverado, but ensuring future Key Clubs at school have the proper training and information needed to carry on. I would like at least 20 people to attend our Region Training Conference in October, which is a service/spirit event designed around workshops and networking. In addition, I would like to fundraise for our sponsored charities like PTP and YES! Initiative, because our club has historically had issues contributing to donations because of money issues. My biggest goal, however, is to maintain a strong club environment all the way to the end of the year.
Star: Are there any upcoming events for Key Club this year you want to promote?K.T: Our club is working with Somi Somi on Eastern to start a fundraiser sometime in September! The ice cream there is amazing, and it would mean a lot for people to come out and support us and our goals. Keep a lookout and follow @silverado.keyclub on Instagram for more information. Also, we are planning to facilitate an event similar to a clothing swap in the spring, where people can bring in old clothes. Our club will then sort the clothing, and you can come back at a later date to “shop” for new ones! It’s a great way to reduce consumerism as well as provide members with accessible (and free!) wardrobe opportunities.
Star: Are there any people you want to highlight in any previous years or this year who have brought life and community into Key Club?
K.T: I would like to thank the presidents who came before me, Allyson Trump (23-24) and Sofia Baluyut (24-25). Although they’re now gone from Key Club, their leadership and friendship to me gave me the guts to even become president this year, to follow in their shoes, and continue to strengthen the club. Also, I’d like to shout out my wonderful officers this year! I maintain a board of six other students who make my life much easier and contribute immensely to things behind the scenes. This is cliche, but I quite literally could NOT do this without them. Clubs take a lot of effort, especially one internationally recognized.
Star: Is there any extra information you want to say about yourself or the club?
K.T: If you are even a little interested in seeing what we do or how things run, stop by room 908 every Thursday after school! Everyone’s friendly, and we always have a fun activity after.
