Woodbridge High’s Key Club is expanding its community outreach this school year through new volunteer events and collaborations aimed at increasing student participation and impact. Under the leadership of President Kristen Wyn and Vice President Johan Sears, the club continues to promote service and leadership while encouraging students from all backgrounds to contribute to their community.
Founded as part of the international Kiwanis-sponsored organization, Key Club promotes leadership through service.
The Woodbridge chapter, one of the largest on campus, has grown to include dozens of active members who take part in regular volunteer projects such as beach cleanups, bake sales, and collaborations with local nonprofits.
“We’ve done a bunch of beach cleanups and bake sales…we made about $350,” Wyn said. “[We’ve also] had dog toy events, or dog toy making events. We had one at Bill Barber [Park] last year.”
Sears said teamwork and communication are essential to keeping the club running smoothly as it expands its range of projects. “One of my main duties is to ensure that I have great communication with the rest of my members,” Sears said. “I also work with my president so then we can coordinate events, a lot of service projects, and just coordinating meetings as well.”
This year’s first major fundraiser, a bake sale organized by club officers, marked the beginning of their renewed outreach efforts. “That’s our first event that we’ve done this year, and we gained a lot of money and we got a lot of sales as well,” Sears said. “We had at least 23 members at the bake sale that day.”
Beyond the success of events, Sears said his role as vice president has helped him grow personally, especially in communication and leadership skills. “Prior to having this position, I don’t think I was as good at communicating with members and other officers,” he said. “But through having to coordinate projects and present good but authentic information, I’ve been able to communicate with members really well.”
For general member Derek Lee, who joined Key Club this year, the expansion offers new opportunities to engage with the community. “I joined this year because a friend told me to join with them, and I liked it ever since,” Lee said. “I want to engage more in community service because it makes me feel better inside that I’m helping people for free.”
Lee said the club’s mission has changed how he views volunteering. “It could change how you see the world and your moral values,” he said. “It’s very fun to hang out with your friends while helping the community.”
Wyn said the chapter’s goal this year is to strengthen its connections both within the school and the city. “Our mission is to help the community, ultimately… and Key Club gives people a place to gather and interact with other Key Club members from diverse backgrounds,” Wyn said.
As the year continues, Wyn and Sears said they hope to leave a lasting legacy built on inclusivity and service. “I want people to come with an open mind of having this opportunity to care about people and to communicate with others through society… not just for the volunteering hours, but to also do this to help their community and to give back to people who really need it,” Sears said.
With a dedicated leadership and a diverse member base, Woodbridge High’s Key Club continues to make service a central part of school life.
