Distinguished

By: Max Mazurowski

Many Key Clubbers are elected as officers for their clubs to help organize and run events and meetings. These people are generally good speakers, helpful, dedicated, and responsible. It is an accomplishment to be elected for one of these positions, but there is another step after this that is an even bigger achievement. Every year at the District Convention/Leadership Conference, officers that work hard throughout the year and perform certain requirements are rewarded as distinguished officers. Each official position has different requirements to achieve distinguished status due to the different duties of the position, but all must show dedication and enthusiasm.

Club Webmasters are responsible for managing any possible web pages for their club. To achieve distinguished status, this person must first be officially trained at a zone or divisional training conference led by either a Zone Administrator or Lieutenant Governor (under the permission of the Zone Administrator). This must be done by December 1^st in order for the officer to be a candidate for distinguished. This person must also submit a section in their club’s monthly report and ensure that at least six of these reports are sent in to the district by the deadline.

The Club Editor for each club is responsible for any printed materials including advertising, communications, and general publicity. Ranging from making newsletters to contacting local press, the editor has many duties to be completed throughout the year. On top of these, they must also attend a training conference by December 1^st and submit at least six portions of the club’s monthly report to the district by the deadline.

The Club Treasurer holds an important role in the club; any financial matters go through them. They must maintain the club’s financial account, ensure that dues are collected, and much more, all while following their school’s financial policy. These must be done without error, and therefore it takes a very organized person to accept the role of treasurer. To attain distinguished status, they must attend a trainer and submit their share of the monthly reports on time. On top of this, they must also ensure that club dues are submitted by November 1^st.

Club Secretaries have one of the more demanding roles in Key Club. They are responsible for keeping record of all events and files, as well as submitting monthly reports. This role also takes a very organized and dedicated person to be successful. This person must attend a trainer, submit at least six monthly reports (including their section) on time, and submit an election report form by September 30^th.

Club Vice Presidents have a strong leadership role in their club, and should be considered as a second president. Running many club matters, they need to be extremely dedicated to their clubs and always be there to help. Along with this responsibility, this person must also attend a trainer and submit at least 6 sections in monthly reports on time.

Club Presidents are responsible for the well being of the club. They must ensure that everything runs smoothly, and that every aspect of their club is productive. With tasks including running meetings and planning events, this person must be very well rounded with organizational and creative skills. Just like the other officers, they must attend a trainer and submit at least 6 sections in monthly reports on time. However, presidents are given extra responsibility to become distinguished. First, they must make sure that all other officers in their club attain distinguished status. On top of this, they must also conduct a Key Club event that benefits the current YSY Project and complete the YSY Project Completion form by a certain date given by the District Secretary/Treasurer.

When all is said and done, officers that stand out above the rest are recognized as distinguished at the end of the year. Officers, remember to stay organized and dedicated, but also work as a team. Achieving goals is much easier when you have others to help you. Work hard and good luck!