Key Leader proves powerful

Students who attend Key Leader weekends come from all walks of life. Some of the young women and men are Key Clubbers; some aren’t. Sometimes they come in groups from the same school, while others come alone. And there are always a few shy students who hide away in the corner watching the rest of the crowd as it bubbles over with energy and excitement.

With all these differences comes one refreshing similarity: All the students come to a Key Leader weekend to be changed—to walk away with their chins a little higher and their confidence a little stronger. And it works. Time and time again.

It worked for Penny, who agreed to share her testimonial after attending a Key Leader weekend this past spring. Her words describe what hundreds of others have witnessed: Key Leader makes a difference.

“My Key Leader weekend was a godsend. Afraid to expose my distress and my fears, I was off to a slow and rocky start upon arriving to the Key Leader weekend. Seeing the passion behind my cowardice and lack of confidence, these young men and women (and the available staff) set out to make a Key Leader out of me.

“After a long, grueling weekend of introspection and learning to trust those loving faces, I was brought back to reality and finally found the strength I had been looking for—the strength to take on my role as a true leader. A true Key Leader! I have become more open and more accepting, not just tolerating those I meet on a day-to-day basis. I have learned to love myself and others. I have been able to give myself honestly. I try not to hold myself back for fear of rejection. I am able to follow through for others with a heart-ripping desire to make the world a better place to live for people of all walks of life. I communicate not only with an open mind, but with an open heart.

“When I consider my fellow humans, I search their hearts for the same hope I found in my own heart. I share my positive values with my friends and fellow Key Club officers. I am brought to tears at the strength in me and the potential in my heart. As president, I am ecstatic to say that my Key Club has lined up our entire calendar for next year and we have chosen four breath-stealing, compassionate officers for the upcoming year. I can't wait to show people. ... It’s not about me; it’s about us.”

—Penny, Key Leader 2007, Micanopy, Florida