A branch of the Kiwanis International organization, Key Club gives high school students the opportunity to serve their communities while developing leadership and character. Founded in 1925, it has grown into one of the largest student-led organizations in the world.
At Oak Park High School, senior co-presidents Keemia Ourmazdi and Ayla Sadrpour lead the club, which meets every other Wednesday at lunch in Maria Gibson’s room (C-10). They aim to build a community where students can make a difference.
“Our goal is to promote student involvement in the community through service, experience and collaboration, as well as to leave a great impact on the world,” Ourmazdi said.
Key Club hosts several projects each year to fulfill these goals and address local needs. One such project, first introduced last year, involves weaving strips of recycled plastic bags into mats for sleeping, shower use and more.
“We do service projects at each club meeting,” Ourmazdi said. “We’ve made cards for elders in nursing homes and we are currently working on a project to make plarn mats for local homeless shelters.”
Building on these initiatives, the club hopes to expand its activities and increase student participation.
“This year, we plan on focusing on variety when it comes to our service projects,” Ourmazdi said. “We aim to start drives, possibly [host] some online projects, do art activities, create supply kits and more.”
The Oak Park chapter regularly communicates with the other regional chapters in Division 42 East to keep goals and activities aligned across Key Clubs.
“There are different regions, and within those regions there are districts,” Sadrpour said. “As co-president, most of my communication is done with the Lieutenant Governor; they’re the leader of our division. Our division has all of the schools around us, like Agoura, Westlake, Royal [and] Moorpark.”
In preparation for the new school year, Key Clubs across California hold conferences to coordinate activities and develop leadership skills.
“Over the summer, we do training where, all over the district, we meet up and we just go over that stuff,” Sadrpour said. “There are even larger-scale ones within our region and the neighboring regions. There are also trainings and conferences with Key Clubs all over the state, such as the Division Council Meetings in Sacramento.”
The Key Club co-presidents encourage students to get involved and make a difference in their community.
“You gotta join–you’re missing out on a lot of service opportunities!” Sadrpour said. “Even if you don’t, still find a way to serve your community.”
