Pennsylvania Key Club

2010 District Convention/Leadership Conference Recap

District Convention/Leadership Conference Recap

The 64th annual Pennsylvania District Convention/Leadership Conference was held on March 5-7th at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The three-day event provided the opportunities for members to building their leadership skills as well as meet members from other clubs.

Friday March 5, 2010

District Board members greeted members and advisors as they arrived Friday afternoon. After club members checked into their rooms, some participated in the scavenger hunt. Dinner was held in the Great American Hall followed by the Opening General Session in the White Room.

Pennsylvania District Key Club Governor Julia DeFabo and Kiwanis District Governor Ethan McBeth opened the session. Speakers included Pennsylvania District Key Club Administrator Bob Bagans, Pennsylvania Circle K District Governor Brett Cutright, and International Trustee Will Robertson.

The session included the unveiling of the new 2010-11 Youth Serving Youth (YSY) Project. The District Board revealed that they again chose Caitlin's Smiles! Caitlin’s mother, Cheryl Hornung, addressed the audience on behalf of her family and the organization. During the 2009-10 year, the Pennsylvania District Key Clubs raised $22,313.71 and presented the organization with a custom award shaped in a box of crayons.

The session concluded with the Keynote Speaker Scott Greenberg. Scott gave an uplifting and humorous speech about what happens when you 'sandbag' yourself or let emotions or people hold you back.

After the session, members participated in the first session of the Leadership Group Breakouts. Everyone was randomly divided into five different rooms and then further divided into groups in the rooms. In these groups, Key Clubbers were able to meet other club members and discuss many different leadership topics. The night was focused primarily on members doing various ice-breakers and discussing Scott’s keynote message.

The day finally ended with the “Meet ‘n Greet”. Key Clubbers engaged in activities such as Twister and danced the night away until curfew.

Saturday March 6, 2010

The day started with the candidates for district office caucusing. Each Key Club zone gathered in a room to hear each candidate’s speeches and ask questions. After all candidates caucused, clubs took time to meet and discuss which candidates for officer their delegates would vote for at the House of Delegates later in the day.

After, the second round of the Leadership Group Breakouts took place. Groups discussed more leadership topics such as teamwork and ethics. Afterward, everyone went to lunch and then to the Service Fair. At the Service Fair, tables were dedicated to showcasing organizations, groups, and clubs including Caitlin's Smiles, and Builders Club. Club members could stop by the table to gather ideas and talk with representatives.

After the Service Fair, the Key Club Leadership Modules (Workshops) occurred. The modules focused on various leadership topics and were given by real world leaders from the community.

Later in the evening, after dinner, members attended the Annual Awards Night Session. The winners and recipients of all contests, awards, recognitions, and scholarships were announced.

Finally the day ended with the fun Key Club Dance and the “Dance with a Board Member” raffle! Throughout the weekend, District Board members sold tickets for a chance to win a dance. All proceeds went to KC Cash.

Sunday March 7, 2010

The final day began with the final Leadership Group Breakout. At this session, group members their “goodbyes” and took part in some wrap-up activities. After, everyone headed to the Closing General Session.

The session included Governor Julia presenting Adam Yaros with the prestigious Outstanding Key Club Board Member Award. Afterward Julia gave her farewell address and the 2009-2010 Key Club District Board was retired. The installation of the 2010-11 Key Club District Board occurred. This included the announcement of the new Executive District Board including the election of Governor Katie Auwaerter, Secretary/Treasurer Annie Crater, and Communication Coordinator (Editor) Ellen Galperin.

The session included a promotional segment for the Key Club International Convention held in Memphis, Tennessee. Key Club members were encouraged to join other Pennsylvania District members for the annual District Tour. The session concluded with the annual Pennsylvania District Year in Review Slideshow and the passing of the District Governor’s Banner.

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