During the weekend of March 22, 23, 24, the 65th Annual West Virginia District Key Club Convention was held at the Charleston Marriott Town Center. Schools around the state attended the circus-themed event. In attendance from Weir High were Lieutenant Governor Rebekah Dennis,  Lindsay Thorp, Katie Padden, Michelle Winwood, Kelsey Ferguson, Tom Padden, Katarina Alatis, and myself. 

The weekend was filled with fun, friendship, excitement, and most importantly, community service. There were many service projects, but the  main project was a "Light up the Night" walk for the March of Dimes on Saturday, March 23. The District raised over $400 dollars to benefit the March of Dimes.

Many informative guest speakers talked about the importance of community service and Key Club values. Speakers included Key Club International Trustee Nancy Zhang, Kiwanis District Governor Kevin Dean, and Immediate Past Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo. They also spoke about how rewarding their experiences have been with the organization.

A new District Board was voted in by selected delegates, and the 2010-2011 Board was retired bringing tears and memories from the retiring members. "It was a happy and sad event," Dennis said about retiring her position Lieutenant Governor.  Key Club District Governor Philip Mickinac from Oak Glen High School was re-elected to another year of service.

From Weir, Tom Padden was elected as the 2011-2012 Division One Lieutenant Governor, Ferguson was appointed as the Special Activities/Every Child a Swimmer Chair, and I was appointed as the Governor's Administrative Assistant. 

Awards and scholarships were given to the top Key Clubs throughout the state and their members. Weir High received awards for Membership Increase, second place for the Governor's Project, Distinguished Club President, and Distinguished Club Secretary.

Along with all the serious business, we had some serious fun! On Friday night, we played Sandy Sowell's Game Show Mania. There were multiple ice breakers and Key Clubbers danced the night away on Saturday followed by heart-warming vespers. Junior Katie Padden said, "I thought the dance was fun because we got to spend time with old and new friends."

"It was a really fun time and I learned a lot about activities and projects that our club can participate in. I can't wait until next year so we can become a strong Key Club again," stated Winwood.