Key Club members took a trip to the Hershey-Holiday Inn for their annual statewide district convention from March 28-30.
“DCON is a weekend where Keyclubbers from across the state are invited to join together for a weekend of service, learning, and fun! Attendees participate in workshops, meet other PA Key Clubbers, complete service projects, vote on bylaws and the incoming District Executive Board, and so much more!” said junior Savanna Farley.
Farley has attended DCON for two years, and she is the current Hours Secretary, but next year she will be a member of the District Board as the Division 7 Lieutenant Governor.
Farley explains the influence of Key Club in the school and greater community.
“Key Club is a fundamental aspect of school and community in our area!” said Farley. “It provides high schoolers with the opportunity to complete community service and share their talents and passions with people around them. Key Club encourages goal setting, leadership skills, and the ability to work as a group. One of the main focuses is ‘servant leadership’ – essentially, where Key Clubbers lead through the example of serving rather than acting as a “boss” of a group. It also focuses on the inverted triangle concept, where members (not officers) are the most vital part of the club.”
Students choose to join Key Club for a different reasons.
“I joined Key Club for so many reasons! I grew up around the Kiwanis family since my dad was in Kiwanis as I grew up,” said Farley. “I was so excited to apply for and then join Builders Club when I was in 8th grade and I had a lot of fun! I joined Key Club because I was in good standing in Builders Club, but I also wanted to further my community service experience. I love having the opportunity to serve the people around me, and I have had so many inspirations as I continue my Key Club journey!”
MHS has attended DCON every year since Spanish teacher Mrs. Andrew Tira has advised the club.
“We’ve been attending DCON on and off since 1999,” said Tira. “I began advising in 2008-2009 and took my first group of members and officers to DCON in 2012. In 2020, DCON was cancelled because of the COVID pandemic and in 2021, it was held virtually.”
Attending clubs have the opportunities to win numerous awards varying from individual awards, club awards, and several contests that members from clubs can enter. This year Montoursville took home numerous awards.
– Distinguished Officers (all of our officers were recognized)
– Distinguished Club
– William S. Brandamore Award
– Builder’s Club Partnership Patch
– UNICEF Award
– Highest Club Average (for service hours – Second Place Platinum Division)
– Single Service Award (Code Blue Meals)
– Signature Project Award (Warrior Pals)
– Youth Serving Youth Award (Special Olympics)
– Early Bird Dues Patch
– Digital Poster Contest – 1st Place Platinum Division (poster by Estella Smelko)
Memories are something that last a lifetime, and with every trip a student takes they make so come home with so many new memories.
“It’s really hard to pick! I think I love all aspects of DCON – there’s not one memory that sticks out to me the most,” said Farley. “The whole schedule is packed full and there is never a dull moment! From the fun dinner conversations to engaging workshops and hotel room project brainstorming sessions, every piece of DCON is a wonderful experience!”
Even though there were only two members plus Tira who attended DCON, it was still a great experience.
“GO! DCON is an awesome experience! It helps you get a better grasp on what goes on behind-the-scenes in our state,” said Farley when asked what she would say to those who are considering going to DCON. “Key Club is so much more than just our club, and going to DCON helps you see that! You have the opportunity to meet so many new people and reconnect with Key Clubbers you already know. You also get to meet the District Board, and your LTG (if they don’t go to school with you already!). Overall, DCON is a wonderful experience and I 1000/10 recommend going! There are so many fun parts to it and you go away learning so much and being filled with ideas! Hope to see you at DCON 2026!!”
Featured photo (at top): Junior Savanna Farley, Senior Ellie Maeulen and freshmen Estella Smelko pose together at the Key Club District Convention. They attended this convention held at the Hershey-Holiday Inn the weekend of March 28-30. Photo by Savanna Farley
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