The 2026 DCLC Illinois–Eastern Iowa State Convention proved to be a standout celebration for Kewanee High School’s Key Club. Out of 200 clubs around the region, members took home four major trophies, including first prizes in both the “Single Service” Good Fellows project and the Digital Scrapbook Year in Review, earning a chance to advance to the International Convention. Additional honors recognized outstanding interclub collaboration, public relations, on-time reporting, and several individual Distinguished Member awards. Highlights included inspiring workshops, candidate caucusing, and learning opportunities focused on community service and neuroscience research. Excitement is already building as students set their sights on their next big initiative, The Thirst Project.
- First place in the Gold division for “Single Service” Good Fellows
- First Place Digital Scrapbook Year in Review project
- Third place James Robert Hall Achievement Award (Way to go, KHS Key Club members: this Is a calculation of the number of events and total hours that we complete)
- Third place for “Major Emphasis” Our theme is “Hands of Service-Helping Those in Need
- Interclub Award
- Connect the Ks (Thank you for collaborating with us Kiwanis, Builder’s Club, K Kids, WHS Key Club
- Super Kiwanis Family Relations Award (so lucky to have Kewanee Kiwanis!)
- Public Relations Award
- 100% On Time Reporting from Statistical Secretary, thank you – Addy Yepsen
The Distinguished Club has announced its latest slate of honored members, recognizing leadership and achievement across all grade levels. Taylor VanWinkle takes the helm as Distinguished President, with Bailey VanWinkle serving as Distinguished Vice President. Key administrative roles are filled by Audrey Clucas as Secretary, Addy Yepsen as Saturday Secretary, and Lillie Hampton overseeing finances as Treasurer. Special recognitions go to Landon Weir as Distinguished Senior Member, Charlotte Burkhart representing the junior class, and Lila Yepsen honored as Distinguished Freshman Member. This group exemplifies commitment and service, setting a high standard for their peers and future club members.
The recent convention brought unforgettable experiences for the KHS club. Lt. Governor Isabelle Vargas set the tone with outstanding leadership and organizational skills, ensuring a seamless flow of events. Members actively participated during candidate caucusing, engaging candidates with insightful questions and detailed note-taking. President Taylor, Vice President Bailey, and Lt. Governor Isabelle distinguished themselves in the House of Delegates, proudly representing their peers. Attendees learned about groundbreaking fetal surgery for spina bifida during a luncheon dedicated to the Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation. Between educational workshops, meaningful service projects, and new friendships forged during late-night gatherings, memories were made to last a lifetime.
“Kewanee Kiwanis, thank you for your unwavering support. Your contributions make it possible for a school bus full of 24 students to experience DCLC!”