Key Clubbers from throughout Kentucky, Tennessee, Northwest Georgia and Southwest Virginia convened at the Chattanooga Choo-Choo Holiday Inn the weekend of March 14-16, 2008, for the 62nd Annual Kentucky-Tennessee District Key Club Convention. Approximately 500 students, advisors, and guests attended this high-energy, activity-packed weekend, which combined the experiences of service, education, motivation, recognition, political action, and fun. In all areas, it was a very successful undertaking.
There is nothing like the excitement of attending a district
or international convention to get Key Club members "fired
up" for their organization and for the concept of service.
This year was certainly not an exception. In Friday night's
Keynote Session, the attendees had a double treat, with motivational
addresses from Key Club International President Grant Lin, who
was a guest for the entire weekend, and from convention headliner
Ethan Zohn. Zohn was the winner of the popular reality television
show,
Survivor: Africa. His message to the Kiwanis Family members
present was to find something in their lives which breaks their
hearts, and then set out to do something about it. Zohn did just
that when he donated his winnings from Survivor to establish
Grassroot Soccer, an organization dedicated to AIDS education
and eradication using as a framework the soccer organizations
and the heroes that are present throughout Africa. His message
of crisis, need, and hope was echoed on Saturday night by past
K-T Key Club Governor Grace Greenwell, who served this past year
as a Key Club UNICEF Ambassador, and who had the opportunity to
visit some of the Key Club supported projects in Swaziland. The
graphic pictures displayed and experiences recounted by both of
these speakers made the students realize that they could indeed
make a significant difference in the lives of others so in need
of assistance.
Later on Friday night the conventioneers had the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops, ranging from club officer training sessions, Faculty Advisor discussions and a new Lt. Governor roundtable to more general discussions on how to be a better and more knowledgeable Key Club member and how to continue involvement with the Kiwanis Family. A second series of workshops was held on Saturday morning, with a selection of topics that offered something for everyone. These sessions provided a forum for an exchange of ideas, and offered the participants valuable information to carry back to their home clubs.
One of the primary focuses of the district convention is the election of new district officers. That process kicked off on Friday night, with the meeting of the first session of caucuses. In these caucuses, candidates for Governor, Secretary, and Treasurer, and those seeking endorsement for international office, had the opportunity to explain to the assembled delegates why they felt they were the most qualified person to hold office, and to answer any questions that the Key Clubbers might have. A second set of caucuses was held on Saturday night, providing the opportunity for the candidates to strengthen their appeal or redeem themselves for any mis-spoken words the night before. The caucuses were orderly and respectful, and the candidates responsive and well-prepared. They provided a good opportunity for the delegates to get to know the candidates prior to casting their ballots in Sunday morning's House of Delegates. When the votes were counted on Sunday morning, those elected to serve were: Governor Abigail McKamey from Lawrence County High School in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; Secretary KeriBeth Wilkins, also from Lawrence County High School; and Treasurer Adam Dunn from Cosby High School in Cosby, Tennessee.
The last activity on Friday was the Convention Service Fair and Meet and Greet Pizza Event. Clubs were given the opportunity to showcase their major projects or other interesting activities in a display which also stayed up for the remainder of the weekend. Pizza is always a good ice-breaker, and with this event the beginning of the convention fellowship was well underway.
Saturday morning arrived early, as groggy Key Clubbers pulled themselves out of bed to participate in a variety of convention contests, ranging from a talent contest to oratorical and impromptu writing events. Those not competing in contests attended the second series of educational workshops. Afterwards, however, everyone had a chance to wake up thoroughly as the entire convention participated in a charity walk through the rainy streets of downtown Chattanooga to benefit the Grassroot Soccer organization. Through their pre-convention fundraising and pledging, the Key Clubbers raised over $3,800.00 for Ethan Zohn's organization. Braving the elements to complete this activity in such a successful way probably turned out to be the most memorable and positive part of the entire convention.
During their free time on Saturday afternoon, the conventioneers fanned out to take in the sights and sounds of Chattanooga. From Lookout Mountain to the Chattanooga Aquarium to Hamilton Place Mall, they saw it all, and discovered the many faces of one of the South's most delightful cities.
For many of the clubs, Saturday night's K-T Recognition Session proved to be the culmination and highlight of their activities for the entire year. In this almost magical session, clubs and individual members were honored for their outstanding achievements and service. In addition, the talent contest finalists were afforded the opportunity to perform before the entire convention. It was a wonderful and entertaining evening as the K-T District honored their finest for a job well done. A complete listing of the district winners is posted elsewhere on this website.
At the District Dance which closed out Saturday's activities, the sounds of Glenn Miller were nowhere to be heard. The Key Clubbers and their advisors were definitely dancing to a different tune, but the music was sweet just the same and the enjoyment was obvious. New friends and old alike took part in what is always one of the most anticipated parts of the convention. This year's version did not disappoint in any way.
Sunday morning's House of Delegates provided the final opportunity for the club delegates to evaluate the various candidates for district office before casting their ballots. The winners were announced at the Governor's Farewell Brunch, as outgoing Governor Rachael Styer bade farewell to the district and turned over the gavel to her successor. With the official installation of officers by Kiwanis Governor David Olinger, the K-T District was primed to begin a new year of outstanding achievement and service. There is little doubt that it will be another banner year.
Next on the itinerary is the Key Club International Convention, held July 9-13 in Denver, Colorado. For information on the K-T District Tour Package to this convention, please see the brochure posted on this website. You can also e-mail District Administrator Steve Phillips at SPhillips5@aol.com or Assistant Administrator Gene Harrell at eugeneharrell@fewpb.net. It will be an unforgettable, mile high experience!