The Otisville K-Kids Club has been named a 2024-25 “Distinguished Club,” and is only one of three New York State schools to be awarded such an honor.
The Distinguished Club Award recognizes individual Key Clubs for their overall performance in the combined areas of club administration, membership and leadership development, Kiwanis family involvement, service, and fundraising as judged against a pre-established standard of excellence.
“Given all the fundraising, advocacy, volunteer work, and donation drives the K-Kids of Otisville have done this year to improve their school, community, country, and world, we are honored to have met the requirements for the second consecutive year,” said faculty advisor Danielle Ulbrich. Along with Ms. Ulbrich, Andrea Yager and Logan Reggio serve as Kiwanis liaisons.
The club’s 2024-25 service projects include:
Trick or Treat for UNICEF
Recycling Plastic for the TREX Challenge
Operation Gratitude: Paracords and treats to overseas military personnel
Circle K-K-Kids Short Story Contest
Valentines for Veterans
Souper Seniors: Valentine’s Day cards, cozy socks and soup for the seniors at Carlucci Home
Get well cards for patients at Garnett Medical Center
Cake Boxes for Minisink Cares
Health and Wellness Campaign: Personal hygiene products for Minisink Cares
“We’re so proud of the students in this club,” said Principal Julia Downey. “Our school’s Kiwanis K-Kids club allows our students to build their character and leadership skills while reinforcing the importance of caring for and service to others. This club also provides important opportunities for students to learn about themselves, their communities, and how to serve others. These are wonderful teachable moments as they advance in their academic careers.”
K-Kids is a Kiwanis Service Leadership Program for primary/elementary school age students. Club members improve their schools and communities — an experience that helps them develop a passion to serve, a desire to lead and the ability to engage and collaborate with others.