THE SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL

C MPASSIssue Four, Volume I | February 25, 2011 | Southport High School | 971 E. Banta Road Indianapolis, IN 46227

N

S

W

E

{page 4}

Lending a hand

Volunteering Opportunities

Local organization bonds disabled

Photo by Adrienne Wagner.

to the community

{page 3}

children and volunteers through sports

Rainbow’s END

by Karalie Hensley Staff Artist

With nearly a dozen fights, burn books and other forms of conflict, it seemed nearly vital for something to be done in order to aid the feuding few. Mrs. Tricia Brasher, a counselor at Southport, felt something needed to be done.

“We started seeing a need for students to be able to resolve conflicts peacefully and to be given those tools,” said Brasher, co-leader of the group. “The idea of the program is to give Southport High School students another route or another avenue for help.”

After nominations from teachers and peers, 21 juniors were selected to enlist in a program designed to help in a peaceful and non-biased method. Though the concept is not new, an increase in quarrels sparked a heightened need for such a group to take shape and to take action.

To train the selected students, 12 master-degree counseling students came from Butler University along with their professor to answer questions and give tips to the mediators.

If students feel like they are unable to resolve a conflict on their own, they can sign up to see a counselor who will refer them to one of the mediators. Once the referral process is finished, the mediators are selected. After being called upon, the two trained peer mediators will meet with the two students who are in conflict and discuss the problems and find solutions.

“They’re not policeman by any means,” said

Brasher. “They don’t go out and search out people who are dealing with conflict.”

One tactic under the belt of mediators is the miracle question, which asks those in conflict to imagine their problem went away overnight without them knowing and asks them to react and how would things be different. The miracle question paired with other coping strategies will aid the mediators in trying to bring both parties into peace.

“We don’t give them solutions. We don’t give them advice. We don’t give them personal experiences,” said peer mediator junior Tia Waters. “We help them come to a solution without furthering the conflict and without making it worse.”

Waters is excited for the program and looks forward to helping her peers in any way she can and hopes the students who are hesitant to talk to adults can find help amongst their trained peers. She also hopes people will utilize the program and realize what it really is offering.

Another mediator, junior Donnika Cody, is equally excited.

Cody feels the age factor will aid the process and will improve results.

“It’s students helping other students,” said Cody. “(I think) it really will help.”

Only time will tell in terms of the program’s success, Brasher along with the trained juniors hope the program thrives. Mediators have been called up on multiple occasions and continue to be ready to help.

“(The) best case scenario is that students take advantage of the program,” said Brasher. “Hopefully,

there will be less conflict and people will learn how to resolve conflict without fighting or cyber-comments. Worst case scenario, people won’t take it seriously.”

If the program goes according to plan, a select few of next year’s juniors will be trained and the torch will be passed. In theory, this cycle will continue for years to come.

With over 2,000 teenagers confined in one building, there are bound to be problems. Conflict is unavoidable. Fortunately, the 21 trained peer mediators will do their best to assist students to resolve their conflicts peacefully.

FEBRUARY 25, 2011 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE FOUR, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL2

“The idea of the program is to give Southport High School students another route or avenue for help.

” - Mrs. Tricia Brasher, counselor

Through a new program at Southport,

Peer Mediation, students reach out to help others. Eleven of the 21 peer mediators are pictured above. (back row) Johnathon Devoss, Savanah Scaggs, Co-

ryndie Ladd, Bryce Kalen, Emma Hughes, Becca East and Stephen Morris. (front row) Danielle Biggerstaff, Ashlyn Bridgewater, Cara Hinh and Tia Waters. Photo by Brandon Bushong.

‘It’s students helping

other students.’

{peerMEDIATORS}

Nick Andre Danielle

BiggerstaffDylan Brewer

Ashlyn BridgewaterTara Burris

Donnika Cody Ali DeHart

Johnathon Devoss Becca East

Symone Gulley

Cara Hinh

Emma Hughes Bryce Kalen

Coryndie LaddStephen Morris

Sara Owens Nachelle

Satterfield Savanah Scaggs

Sage Stahl Taylor Straub

Tia Waters

A group of 21 juniors were selected to be a part of a new program designed to help students resolve conflicts peacefully. Their names are listed below.

FEBRUARY 25, 2011 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE FOUR, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL 3

{volunteeringOPPORTUNITIES}Downtown Indianapolis hosts a variety of opportunities for students who wish to volunteer and help the less fortunate. These opportunities rangefrom helping at soup kitchens, craft coordinators and more. Read below to find some opportunities you might like to get involved in. The category“local perspective” contains volunteering opportunities that make a difference in the Greenwood community, the category “impactful service”contains hands-on ways to volunteer, and the category “global impact” contains opportunities that even though they’re just downtown, can begin tomake a difference around the world. Please note that the majority of these opportunities require a driver’s license, unless otherwise noted.Information from helpindyonline.com, and graphic by Lucas Sweitzer.

ESPERANZA MINISTRIESBased right in Greenwood, Esperanza

Ministries seeks to empower Hispanic / Latino individuals and families with the ongoing knowledge and support necessary to inte-grate successfully into their communities. Working alongside local municipalities, churches and trusted community partners, this organization provides a safe and caring place for families struggling to learn a new culture.Opportunities to volunteer with this orga-

nization often involve a basic understanding of the English language. Please call the contact information for specifics on what the volunteering entails. Group volunteering is welcome.Address: 622 Madison Avenue, Suite 6Number: 317.881.4673E-mail: info@esperanzajesus.org

__________

CROSSROADS REHABILITATIONThis is a great opportunity for any student

looking to help with disabled adults. Easter Seals Crossroads Rehabilitation Center looks over adults with physical and mental disabili-ties, and looks for ways to engage them as well as help them find more permanent housing or employment as needed.Volunteers are needed to supervise groups

over the summer as they make crafts. Helpers should be reliable, dependable, flexible, very patient, and have a good sense of humor. Students who volunteer here need to be at least 18 or older.Address: 622 Madison Avenue, Suite 6Number: 317.881.4673E-mail: info@esperanzajesus.org

{localPERSPECTIVE} {impactfulSERVICE} {globalIMPACT}

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATIONThe mission of the American Lung Associa-

tion (ALA) is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health through research, edu-cation and advocacy.There are many different types of opportu-

nities to volunteer at ALA, with everything from a fair volunteer (passing out flyers and other information) office support (filing and managing) to even blogging about upcom-ing events. None of the opportunities within the ALA have any age restriction, so any student is welcome to volunteer.Address: 115 Washington Street, Suite 1Number: 317.819.1181E-mail: JCurts@lungin.com

__________

DRESS FOR SUCCESSWith the job economy as bleak as it is

today, many women in Indianapolis find themselves without a job, and must begin the intimidating interview process. Dress for Success helps these women in need by giving them appropriate interview clothing (when maybe they do not have the money to acquire it themselves) and offer classes on proper interviewing techniques, to help these women eventually find jobs again.There are three ways to help Dress for

Success: either through a donation of gently used appropriate interview clothing, a “boutique manager” (a volunteer who helps women find their ideal suit) and an office helper, to answer calls at the front desk.Address: 820 Meridian StreetNumber: 317.940.3737E-mail: Indianapolis@dressforsuccess.org

SECOND HELPINGSSecond Helpings is a soup kitchen

that serves the underpriviledged in downtown Indianapolis. Volunteers looking to serve the homeless are welcome to help prepare the food, serving food to the needy, or other special events planned throughout the year.If you wish to help out with Second

Helpings in the actual kitchen, you must be 18 or older, but there are many other opportunities that are 14 and older.Address: 1121 Southeastern AvenueNumber: .317.632.2664E-mail:

volunteers@secondhelpings.org__________

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBThe Boys and Girls Club of India-

napolis aims to provide young chil-dren with a constructive environment to play, study and grow up.The Boys and Girls Club is looking

for bright and friendly volunteers who can come in and help students with homework. A certain amount of each day is set aside for participants to work on their homework, and many students need extra help. Volunteers must fill out a form and pass a crimi-nal background check before volun-teering. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Address: 62236 East 10th Street,

Suite 200E-mail: volunteer@boysandgirlsclubindy.com

FEBRUARY 25, 2011 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE FOUR, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL4

Local nonprofit organization bonds disabled children and volunteers using sports.

(above) Rainbow’s END currently has two swim teams in Indianapolis and hopes to start a new one on the North-side this summer. Photo contributed.

Rainbow’s END by Ashlyn Bridgewater Reporter

The little voice asking, “Do you want ice cream?” held enough power to bind them together.

Senior Katy White often heard that questioning voice when she was teaching a little girl named El-lie how to ride a two-wheel bike last summer.

Ellie was a participant in Lose the Training Wheels, a program that teaches children with dis-abilities to ride bikes. Like other children, Ellie did not want to ride the bike and had to be motivated by other means. Her mother found a successful method: ice cream. Everyday Ellie climbed on her bike in hopes that she would receive a treat of ice cream afterwards. In the short term Ellie received ice cream. In the long term White received a life-altering experience.

“It definitely tested me on different levels,” said White. “It showed me that I might want to work with kids with mental disabilities when I get older. A lot of the kids there seem completely normal. I never would have guessed they had anything

wrong.”Bonds similar to Ellie and White’s spread

throughout organizations like Lose the Training Wheels and its sponsor, Rainbow’s END. With volunteering comes the blatant point of helping others. Immediate benefits of volunteering are seen by all, but the everlasting effects are some-times overlooked. Behind the scenes are changed lives, not just those of the kids being helped, but also those of the volunteers.

Every summer roughly 80-100 volunteers help disabled kids become a part of what is considered to be normal. Over the course of one week, volun-teers tend to spend over an hour a day with their partner. Although the range consists of everything from developmental delays to physical disabilities, each participant enters the camp with the same goal: to ride a two-wheel bike.

The participants have specialized bikes that have a roller in the back that serves as training wheels. These bikes are not the typical bike with training wheels attached. In fact, they were special-ly engineered for LTTW and are only used in the

(left) A proud mother holds her daughter after she competed in the Aqua Champs winter swim meet at the Plainfield Aquatic Center. (below) An Aqua Champs teammate holds her trophy after the swim meet. Photos by Adrienne Wagner.

FEBRUARY 25, 2011 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE FOUR, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL 5

program. As each day goes by, the roller becomes skinnier, causing the child to wobble more on the bike. The hope is that by the end of the week the roller will no longer be needed. At the end of the program, the kids ride their own bike that their parents have purchased, and leave with an accomplishment that will be with them for the rest of their lives.

“It means a lot to them (the kids learning to ride), teaching them how to ride a two-wheel bike,” said Stephany Jenkins, founder of Rainbow’s END, a center for disabled children. “I mean there’s kids there that come in there on Monday that I would swear to you would not learn how to ride a two-wheel bike, and they do. It’s amazing, it really is. It’s probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. That’s a gift you give to somebody that you can’t take away.”

When it came time for volunteers to be paired up with kids, the volunteers were not told what their partner’s dis-ability was. This allowed the volun-teers to not focus on the disability of the child but to focus on who they truly were and their main goal. Senior Libby Kemp was also involved in the program.

“It was different (working with them),” said Kemp. “Obviously disabled kids are different, but it’s kind of a breath of fresh air to have kids not talk back to you or appreciate you being there to help them ... It was fun.”

Going into the event, volunteers had to be sure to keep an open-mind, to stay goal oriented and to make sure they remain patient. Often, the volunteers grew close to their child and formed a bond that both volunteer and child were proud of. The teens who have volun-teered leave with a feeling of pride that they have been able to help someone achieve something of such a high value.

In the process of trying to teach the kids how to ride bikes, many teens were confronted with difficulties. From fits to not listening to just simple refusing to ride the bike, the volunteers were tried and presented with difficult situ-ations that varied from child to child. There were a few times working with Ellie that White was moved over to another kid. This is when White real-ized how much of a bond she felt she had developed with Ellie. According to

White she would continuously try to sneak glances at Ellie, trying to keep up on her progress. By the end of the week after a lot of difficulty in getting Ellie to listen, White had taught her to ride her bike.

“Does my butt look fine?” is of-ten what Kemp and others that were around Cameron were asked, telling him ‘yes’ he would be able to continue on with his lesson. Cameron was one of the kid’s who was able to ride his own bike by the end of the week. Kemp also remembers seeing a girl who was motivated by a SpongeBob toy in front of her.

Not only was the program beneficial for the one’s learning to ride the bikes, but it was also very rewarding for the volunteers and helped to change the

views that they had gone into the event with.

“Kids with disabili-ties can do just about anything every day average kids can do,” said Kemp. “I had a typical image of a kid with disabilities (before the program), but after that it was sort of like, wow, they can do anything they want to. They just need some guidance.”

Jenkins has ex-perienced firsthand the real effect LTTW has on children and

families.“I was driving down the road one day

and saw one of our Lose the Training Wheels kids riding with her dad. Those are the kinds of things you can’t put into words,” said Jenkins. “We had one family that came up, their child was 13 and she hugged me and she said that they were going to go on their first family bike ride. They were a big biking family, and they couldn’t go (previ-ously), not as a family.”

LTTW was actually brought to India-napolis because of a nonprofit center called Rainbow’s END. After some effort, they were able to team up with LTTW and hold the event in Perry Park.

Rainbow’s END is not some big, faceless corporation though. In fact, the dreams of two disabled children, Chris-topher and Molly, helped found the early stages of the company in 2001.

In an attempt to provide safe and rewarding athletics, Rainbow’s END has been educating Indianapolis by having volunteers work hands-on with disabled children and giving disabled persons the chance to maximize their potential

”“Kids with dis-

abilities can do just about anything every day average kids can do...they can do anything they want to do. They just need some guidance.

- Libby Kemp, senior

a look into

(left) Two tae kwon do members admire their medals after practice. (above) A LTTW participant receives his medal and certificate on the last day of camp. (below) A swimmer for the Southside Aqua Champs holds up her trophy after the meet. (below left) LTTW uses specialized rollers on their bikes that become narrower as the week goes on. Photos by Adri-enne Wagner.

Rainbow’s END

FEBRUARY 25, 2011 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE FOUR, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL6

to overcome their limitations. Rain-bow’s END relies on mostly teenage volunteers and benefits to raise money.

By definition, disabled means incapable of functioning and unable to perform a certain action. Because of this, the school swim team denied Christopher and Molly. The Special Olympics wanted them to claim they had a mental disability. Being only physically disabled, they were not will-ing to claim they had mental disabili-ties. Unwillingly were these kids held back by lack of opportunity.

Christopher and Molly, who both have Cerebral Palsy, came to Jenkins because they were both interested in swimming. Due to their Cerebral Palsy though, the school team would not let them swim. Both said no to the Special Olympics because it required them to claim they had mental disabilities that they did not have.

Molly, Christopher and Jenkins united to create what is now Rainbow’s END’s swim team, the Aqua Champs.

The Aqua Champs opened the first door of normal athletics. It gave them the chance to do what they wanted, be a part of a team and to gain skills they could later apply to everything.

“I think the biggest thing they get is self-esteem,” said Jenkins. “And I think

that carries into every aspect of their life.”

“Enabled Not Disabled,” is what has helped many special needs children and teenagers break out of the stereo-types that cling to people with disabili-ties. From the small swim team grew what is today’s Rainbow’s END. The center has enabled kids to be confident and to not let their challenges stifle their desire to participate in normal activities. Focusing on activities that are mostly individual but can be team oriented, Rainbow’s END has been a contributor in breaking down the barriers between adolescents with and without setbacks. According to Jen-kins, the kids gain a sense of impor-tance through the program.

“I think that’s one of the really important things about Rainbow’s END. I do feel like it does break stereotypes,” said Jenkins. “I’ve had teenagers come up to me and say ‘Wow, I never real-ized they were smart,’ because you see a child in a wheelchair and what do you do most of the time, you glance and then you look away. You don’t really say hi ... but I think that the experiences that kids are having with Rainbow’s END change that. I think that they’re more likely to say hello.”

One of the many opportunities

that is offered by Rainbow’s END is tae kwon do. During the tae kwon do sessions, disabled kids are able to work next to able-bodied kids as a united force.

“(Sydney a disabled girl who par-ticipates in the tae kwon do program) her best friend came and participated in the class,” said Jenkins. “It was the first activity ever that they got to do together, and they were 12 at the time ... Unless they’re a volunteer, they don’t participate together. They don’t do the same things. So they would practice their tae kwon do. You know you don’t have to kick perfect to kick a board.”

Not having the activity be just about able-bodied kids helping their disabled friends, allows disabled persons and those that they are close to and to be able to bond through a common inter-est.

The swim team that originally started Rainbow’s END is still intact today. What started with two kids has expanded to the Southside and the Westside. Rainbow’s END also hopes to have a team on the Northside this summer. According to Jenkins, the kids on the swim team are more than proud to be where they are.

“You give them a trophy after they swim their swim meet and a lot of

them run up and a lot of them stand in front and hold it above their heads,” said Jenkins. “They’ll usually run to their volunteer. I think that there is a bond that forms between them and I think it is really pretty special.”

One of the team’s original members, Alexis, now is able to swim competi-tively on her school swim team. Alexis has Spina Bifida, a birth defect in which the spinal cord does not prop-erly develop. Alexis is not an exception to paralysis caused by Spina Bifida, but she now can swim the butterfly “like nobody’s business.”

This swim team and tae kwon do program have helped people with dis-abilities, like Molly, to be able to grow up with normal activities.

“It makes me feel good to see kids with disabilities given the opportunity to do activities...because the way I look at it is we are no different than other people. We can do anything we put our minds to,” Molly wrote in an email to the Journal.

According to Molly, Rainbow’s END has helped her to stay persistent. She knows that she can be successful in whatever it may be. Rainbow’s END helped instill these characteristics in her, and because of that she now has confidence that can be applied to every aspect of her life.

Not only has she herself benefit-ted from the program, but she is now helping other kids cope with physical challenges. She believes that kids are comfortable talking to her about their challenges because she understands what it is like to have disabilities.

Relying heavily on fundraising for money, Molly has held benefits to help Rainbow’s END for the past two years. She was able to raise $4,500 in a sin-gle night. A former student that Molly went school with had his band play at the benefit. They’re looking forward to helping again in the future.

People like White and Kemp have given kids similar to Molly the oppor-tunity to be normal and to experience things that every child should have the chance to. Not only have they stepped away from the programs as better peo-ple with changed viewpoints, but they have forever changed the lives of their children by helping them to develop things like a higher self-esteem. At the core of the programs and the act of volunteering, it isn’t about learning to swim or ride a bike. It’s about giving people who are disabled the power to not only do whatever they want, but also believe they can.

“Those are things that are possible because of people...that volunteer,” said Jenkins.▪

There are 15 Southport students involved with the Lose the Training Wheels program. (left to right) Chelsea Brothers, Adri-enne Wagner, Brittany Hemphill, Libby Kemp, Daly Andis, Erin Marsh, Ali Walker, Erin Schott and Eric Dean. (not pictured) Taylor Zorman, Carly Chappell, Kayla Chappel, Katy White, Erin Maddigan and Ali DeHart. Photo by Brandon Bushong.

FEBRUARY 25, 2011 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE FOUR, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL 7

by Katie Hinh Reporter

In one corner of Mrs. Terry Mahin’s room, there is a poster that stands out from the rest. The pink poster that stands alone on the table that holds pink sheets of paper telling you how to sign up for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. On the poster is a symbol: a pink ribbon.

This pink ribbon has made a big difference in not only Mahin’s life, but in the lives of countless men and women across the country. This pink ribbon stands for the fight against breast cancer, something that Mahin has personally been dedicated to fighting for 13 years now, as the team captain of Team Southport.

Mrs. Jo Hensley-Marschand was a teacher at Southport, along with being a teacher, Hensley-Marschand was the principal’s wife and a good friend of Mahin’s. In 1996 Hensley-Marschand was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 46. Hensley-Marchand fought the cancer for two years, even seeking treatment at a hospital in Texas. She lost her battle with breast cancer on Dec. 5, 1998.

“Just like other friends we had, we just thought that she would battle the breast cancer and be a survivor,” said Mahin. “We got involved in Race for the Cure at that time, just simply because it was hitting home with us.”

Race for the Cure is an organization that has been dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. It allows people to make teams, walk the three mile “race” to raise money for victims, and to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Team Southport, a team that allows Southport students can walk to find a cure, was created by Mahin in honor of Hensley-Marchand, and Mahin has been the team captain ever since the start.

“Komen is really just a first class operation,” said Mahin. “(former Southport English teacher)Mrs.(Kay)Watson has been my co-captain on this and I really miss her this year, but she’s still around. We still email everyday and she still comes to the team captain meetings and helps with ribbons. I keep her involved in everything.”

Mahin does all the emails and sets up registration. She makes an effort to

make sign up easy. Also Mahin does all the contact information and organizes fundraisers for Team Southport

“She is the force... She does it all,” said Watson. “It was her idea, her brainstorm and she just does it all.”

Team Southport has raised thousands of dollars to help the fight against breast cancer and has made headlines. A few years ago the entire Southport baseball team went out and walked the three miles of race for the cure to support Mrs. Nancy Ferguson, one of the player’s mother.

After the walk, Cindy Marshall from the

Indianapolis Star contacted Mahin about it, and the next day Team Southport made the front page. Mahin sent the article to Susan G. Komen with a letter describing how Southport got involved and received a personal letter back from Nancy Brinker, the founder of the Susan G. Komen foundation.

This year Team Southport has also had an amazing year by donating a collective amount of $1,488 to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

“Our goal for the year was $1,000, and we’re at $1,488. It’s just icing on the cake now,” said Mahin.

Mahin and Watson believe that everyone should take an interest in the Race for the Cure. “...Almost everyone knows someone who’s been affected by breast cancer...,” said Watson. Mahin agreed, “This can happen to anyone, anyone”

This year the Race for the Cure is on the morning of April 16, and Mahin is excited to be walking for her final year on Team Southport. Mahin is retiring this year and was at first apprehensive because Mahin didn’t want Team Southport to go away.

“The staff has gone through such a change over... that a lot of people don’t know why we even do (the) Race for the Cure.” Mahin said.

Fortunately when Mahin shared her worries with the social committee she got a response that reassured her. Mrs. Rachel Ancelet and Mrs. Kristina Johnson volunteered to take over Team Southport and be the team captains.

“That makes me feel really good to know that it’s something that’s going to continue and though I’m retired, I’ll always want to be a part of Team Southport,” said Mahin.

(left) Teachers and participants pose in front of a Team South-port sign. (below) Ms. Terrie Mahin and others walk in the Race for the Cure. Photos con-tributed.

”“Just like the other friends we had, we just thought that she would battle the breast cancer and be a survivor.

- Mrs. Tracy Mahin, Teacher

In honor of former colleague, Southport teachers raise money and spread awareness.

Racing for a Cure

{teamSOUTHPORT }

FEBRUARY 25, 2011 | THE COMPASS: ISSUE FOUR, VOLUME ONE | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL8

The Compass is Southport’s newsmagazine, published in tabloid format every other issue of The Journal, Southport’s newspaper. The Compass will provide a more in-depth look at one topic that will change by issue.

Co-Editors of The CompassBRITTANY HEMPHILL

EMILY ODLE

Photo by Jackie Smith.

Key Club’s District Executive Assistant Senior Michael Samm

Q: What are some of the benefits of Key Club?A: (Key Club) makes it easy to get service hours, you meet new people, you can do some traveling, you learn to be a leader and it helps you make those changes you want to make about yourself.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Key Club?A: I can honestly say that I have met the most incredible people from my Key Club experiences and they now make up some of my closest friends.

Q: What are some of the opportunities that Key Club has given you? (trips, scholarships, awards, etc.)A: Through Key Club, I’ve taken tour buses to International Conventions in Dallas, Texas and in Memphis, Tennessee. At those conventions you meet people from all over the world. The latest one had one person from Australia, for example. At those conventions as well, celebrities come out like Clay Aiken, Relient K and Bo Shafer. Once I got to go to a Kelly Clarkson concert at the State Fair and meet her backstage. There are a few scholarships that Key Club specifically offers and a large variety of awards for things like scrapbooks, videos, posters and excellent club officers. In addition to these things, Key Club gives the opportunity to hold International offices and travel to places like Uruguay as an ambassador. It opens doors to people as well. I’ve met tons of company executives and internationally known figures from various Key Club functions. Basically, Key Club has all of the opportunities you could want. It’s just how much you actually go for.

A{

}Q &

with

Managing EditorsSHIVANI PARIKSHAKADRIENNE WAGNER

ReportersASHLYN BRIDGEWATER

KARALIE HENSLEYKATIE HINH

Interview conducted by Brittany HemphillCompass Co-Editor

Key Club is a service program that high school students can get involved in. Through the program students learn how to lead, serve and communicate with their peers.

Q: What do you, specifically, do for Key Club?A: I do all of the executive duties that other people don’t have time for, don’t want to do, or just aren’t doing. A few specifics are things like speaking at various events in Indiana, helping to plan an annual convention for about 250 people and writing the script for that convention, I’m in charge of all of the amendments that the Indiana Key Club wants to propose to its bylaws and I just generally help out with all of the other positions.

Q: How did you get involved in Key Club?A: I got involved with Key Club because it was something colleges would like and just sounded interesting. I got more involved because of all the friends I was making every time I did things with Key Club and because it was worth-while. I could see the effects of what I was doing.