OHS Journalism
by Bridgett Campbell
KAYs is an organization governed by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). KAYs stands for The Kansas Association for Youth. KAYs is a character building, leadership training and service program that provides students an opportunity to sharpen their citizenship responsibilities and to enrich their personality through programs and projects. There are four areas of service: school, community, nation and world. Many people are inspired to be in KAYs. The Onaga High School’s KAYs club consists of 61 members, which is 73% of the high school enrollment. Marcia Labbe, high school science teacher, is the sponsor for the KAYs club. Ms. Labbe has been the sponsor of KAYs for about 18 years. Ms. Labbe enjoys directing the students in all of the different KAYs events. Ms. Labbe stated “I enjoy interacting with students in a non-academic environment. I think it is good to encourage kids to be service-oriented as adults.” One of Ms. Labbe’s favorite things about being the sponsor of the KAYs club is seeing all the projects that the students choose to do.
The 2024-2025 President of KAYs club is Junior Lillie Weiser. The Vice-President is Senior Delaney Figge, Secretary is Senior Jaeden Abitz. The Treasurers are Senior Atalie Conger and Junior Rachel Leonard, Points Chairmen are Senior Annie Force and Sophomore Lily Falk. The StuCo Representatives are Junior Gavin Kolterman, Senior Bridgett Campbell, Junior Emmarsyn Fordham and Sophomore Monty Meyerkorth. President Junior Lillie Weiser states “I am proud to be the president of an organization that serves and helps people.” The recent project that the KAY’s club participated in was the Trick-or-Treat for Heifer International, which raised approximately $785. Junior Alyssa Rager, who was one of the participants, states “ The Trick-or-Treat was a very great way to get the community involved and show what the KAYs group does.”
There are many projects left that the KAYs organization plans on participating in. Senior Atalie Conger is planning a Blood Drive on December 11. The club will also be making hot chocolate kits for elementary.Another upcoming project involves students making and providing treats for election poll workers. An annual project the club participates in is called Operation Christmas Child. This project sends a variety of things to those around the world who are not given Christmas presents. Senior Vanessa Koelling states “I brought a shoebox to pack the supplies and a notebook. These items helped bring light and great Christmas presents to kids around the world.” The KAYs organization provides multiple opportunities throughout the year for students to provide service to their school, community, nation, and world.