I took the walk of a graduate and end four years of high school, Key Club and pure stress. But some things won’t end.

Key Club will never leave my heart and service will always remain in my blood. I write this letter because I want to thank the Valley Kiwanis and inform you of the impact you have made on me and my classmates.

Four years ago, I walked into high school scared, timid and quiet. If you know anything about me now, you are probably asking what the hell happened. The answer is you! I became the person I am today mostly because of Key Club, and eventually, the things that branched off of it.

I walked into room 121 only because I had participated in the Builders Club in middle school, and I wanted to meet new people. I walked in as a shy freshman and was surrounded by upperclassmen.

Even though they were nice, they didn’t really try to know me, and I didn’t try to know them. This was when I failed my first and only project, the toy drive. The lesson I learned was to ask questions and ask for help otherwise I would be swallowed up. I also learned when to lend a hand to someone else as they struggled with their own projects, so they would not fail like I did. Becoming attached to the things we did, I ran for treasurer and lost. But what was great was that it made the next year, with me winning, all the more sweet. I was in tears when I found out that people voted for me to do something for them, even if it was just counting money. This was one of the biggest confidence builders I have ever experienced, and I jumped into the project with the enthusiasm and the determination of a mountain climber.

Once I discovered and learned how to do my job, it was all downhill from there. I spoke up more and was even involved more. As a secretary for the club, I felt the greatest and strongest love of service. I may have intimidated them a bit when I told them I would eat them if they turned in their registration forms and money late, but the forms did get turned in and in a timely manner. I feel I made up for it with my enthusiasm and the fun I have on projects, which they experienced, too.

Because of the lessons and experiences of this, I was able to grow outside of the club. I became a class officer so that I could help lead on Tolo, prom and senior tea. Because of my constant speeches in Key Club, I have only grown more confident of myself. I have created the strongest bond with my dad as we work together for Opstad and spend quality time handing out food and talking about future Opstad events. I have found myself, my passion and some of my best friends.

Only because of you is there a Key Club. Who else would send us money to go to the district convention, feed us breakfast every Thursday, lend much-needed help on our projects and give us an opportunity to work on projects? Without you there is no Key Club; without Key Club there is no chance for students to shine; and without us, who will lead the way?

Anna Sprouse

Retired secretary, Treasurer and Key Clubber for life.