ROCHELLE — Key Club members from Rochelle Township High School attending the District Convention/Leadership Conference learned about other clubs’ services and endeavors and met new friends, but they also came back with much more.

Danae White, RTHS Key Club advisor, said several of the members earned awards for their volunteerism and attendance at the meetings held throughout the year. In addition, RTHS member Jessica Garrison was also awarded second place from her Oratorical Declamation speech, which she presented in front of 520 people.
“It was another exciting year of recognition for RTHS Key Clubbers. It will be really hard to retire this board and to see this group of seniors graduate,” White said. “I will miss their leadership and their hearts so much. When it comes to upholding the values that Key Club stands for, they exemplify each trait of leadership, character building, caring, and inclusiveness.”

The annual event for the Illinois and Eastern-Iowa convention and conference was held earlier this month in Springfield. While there the group had a chance to tour the Dana Thomas House and Lincoln’s Old Salem along with sampling the “Horseshoe,” Springfield’s signature dish. The Horseshoe sandwich consists of an open-faced sandwich with a hamburger patty on thick-sliced bread, French fries, and a secret cheese sauce.
The three-day DCLC event gives an opportunity for members to expand their knowledge about all things Key Club while learning about activities the other clubs in the district are involved in.
Even with the school year nearly over and the DCLC behind them, memories of the club and the friendships established will carry for years to come.
“The friendships you make within Key Club and also within the K-family are lifelong!” said White. “The K-family is strong from Golden K all the way to the K-Kids. This club is truly student led and service focused.”