98 Manchester students in 4th – 8th grade inducted into Kiwanis service leadership programs

K-Kids posing for photo after receiving their certificates and pins.

On the evening of Monday, October 24th, Klager K-Kids and Manchester Middle School’s Builders Club, both Kiwanis student groups, held their 2016 induction ceremony in the Manchester High School auditorium.

Cindy Kenney, who serves both clubs as an advisor stated, “We have 62 members in Builders Club and 36 in K Kids. Builders Club is 5th – 8th grades, and K-Kids is fourth only. These Service Leadership Programs are part of the Kiwanis family of clubs. We also have Key Club who co-sponsors K-Kids with us.

“The purpose is to teach kids leadership skills through community service. Each club is run by the kids and we try and implement their ideas for service projects and community service projects. Ideally, projects will effect their school and community. We are thrilled with the support of the school administration in allowing us to sponsor these youth organizations in all the Manchester schools.”

K-kids began as a brand new organization, second semester last year at Klager Elementary. Klager’s principal, Karin Villarreal, was on hand to speak Monday night. Afterwards she stated, “I so appreciate the idea of service clubs at a young age. This gives our students a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the community and have an impact on the lives of others. We believe that there are so many ways to be a Leader, and K-Kids supports our motto, Lead Strong, All Day Long!”

Builders Club, on the other hand, is an established Manchester institution. Manchester Middle School principal, Jennifer Mayes, also spoke at the ceremony. Afterwards she stated, “The Builders Club is a cherished extension to Manchester Middle School. The values they instill in its members complement the characteristics we want to develop in our students. Furthermore, the Builders Club’s efforts align with our district’s vision of “Education Excellence in a Caring Community” by cultivating future citizens who give back to the community in which they live. Fostering productive, well-rounded individuals is a goal of both organizations.”

Kiwanis Club of Manchester president, Darrell Kenney

Mitchell Ernst and Logan Huff, Key Club members who serve as advisors for K-Kids.

Induction of K-Kids officers.

K-Kids waiting for their names to be called.

K-Kids pledge.

K-Kids.

Builders Club officer induction.

Sr. Builders Club

Jr. Builders Club members induction.

Jr. Builders Club members waiting for their names to be called.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.