Jonathan Law HS Finds Key To Public Service

MILFORD – A local high school's service club enjoyed a successful run at the group's annual convention, earning six awards and having one student leader elected to a high-ranking post.

This year, the Jonathan Law High School Key Club made its mark at the convention April 9-10, where it earned six prestigious awards, and where ‘one of their own’ was elected to the top leadership spot for the region. Key Club International, a community service organization that spans the globe, has been in existence since 1925.

Each year, Key Club members join together to work on projects that are designed to improve the quality of life for those in their communities.

The clubs in the New England District attend their annual convention, where students have the opportunity to share what they have accomplished, learn from other clubs and make new friends.

In addition to the group accolades, Law junior Caroline Doyle was elected "District Governor" for 2022-23, a high honor for students in the service organization.

“When I first heard, I cried a little – then I was a little bit overwhelmed – and then I was excited,” said Doyle upon learning she had been elected as the New England District’s Governor – the top spot – for 2022-23. She will oversee the entire district as governor and lead the board, comprised of a secretary, a treasurer, a bulletin editor, several appointed positions and 26 lieutenant governors.

The work is largely centered on district operations, including the development of various committees and planning upcoming leadership and training events.

As a member of the elected board this year, Doyle said felt she was ready to take on this next important step in the Key Club organization. In July, she will attend the Key Club International Convention, to be held in Washington, D.C., and represent the New England District.

The Law group’s work was recognized in a variety of categories of awards distributed at the convention. For 2021-22, the Jonathan Law Club took home: first place: Non-Digital Poster; first place: Monthly Reports; first place: Yearly Achievement Award; second place: Talent Contest; and third place: Single Service Project/Salvation Army Red Kettle Project.

The JLHS club also received one of three Distinguished Key Club Awards in the New England District, for outstanding work in the community.
More than 7,000 students are Key Club members in the New England District, alone.

As examples of the projects that were undertaken this year, they were involved in the nationally recognized Salvation Army Red Kettle Project, the National March of Dimes World Prematurity Day, and fundraising events for St. Jude’s. Locally, the group volunteered their time at the "Pumpkins on the Pier" event, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Poinsettia Sale, Keeping Milford Warm events, Cards for Veterans, Easter Flower Sale, Trick or Treat UNICEF collections, the Leprechaun Leap and more.

Jonathan Law Key Club Advisor Ted Boynton said he was proud of the group this year. “Given our COVID environment for the past few years, our ability to go into the community, work on projects, and help those in need was greatly diminished,” Boynton said. “We simply couldn’t operate the way we always had in the past and I think it hindered our kids being able to make the community service connection. Now with things opening up, we were able to actually work on projects together – and the students were able to see, first-hand, what it’s all about. It truly has been outstanding to watch these young people activate and engage in the community.
“I would also like to thank the staunch support of the Kiwanis Club in Milford. This group has tirelessly supported our work and they have helped us financially for decades. We are grateful,” Boynton said.
For more information on the Jonathan Law High School Key Club, visit its Twitter feed here.