Key Club is an international organization in which high school students can volunteer in their community and take on leadership roles. While Key Club is an international organization, there is a popular local club at GBHS.

“(Key Club) provides a place for a lot of students to make friends… there’s a lot of organizations around the Roseville and Sacramento area that are very grateful Key Club exists,” GBHS senior and vice president of the Key Club Khoa Nguyen said.

Nguyen first joined the club during his freshman year but became more involved during sophomore year. He became the treasurer last year, and now serves as the vice-president. 

“I like working with people that are driven to actually help out,” Nguyen said. “There’s a lot of people that just come by because they need volunteer hours… it’s disheartening to work with someone… that isn’t passionate.”

Key Club hosts many different events throughout the year, including a trip to Six Flags in October and volunteer work at ReNew Boutique in Roseville. The donations to this organization goes to homeless women through Acres of Hope, a renewal center that provides a safe family environment and healthy living program for women and children.

“There was this event where we went to an elementary school and they had a yearly event called Color Wars where you get to help the kids and set up the games,” Nguyen said. “It was really fun seeing… the kids (being) friendly and energetic… I felt like I actually had an impact on these kids’ lives.”

Key Club meets every Thursday during Grizz time in room 606 (where NGSS Chemistry and Biology teacher Jacob Mercado teaches). Meetings start with members filling out attendance forms and reciting the Key Club Pledge, as well as a few Icebreaker questions led by a specific spirit coordinator, one of them being Aveed Gorji.

“To me, the club is really all about service and compassion… also a lot of hard work,” GBHS senior and president of Key Club Justin Tseng said.“I think it really helps to be thoughtful when you’re volunteering, especially when you’re working with people.”

As part of Key Club, leaders say members will have the opportunities through various events including the Division Fall Rally North to meet and interact with local Key Club members. 

“I personally joined Key Club as a way to make friends and to meet all sorts of people…I like having a diverse group of friends,” Tseng said. “It’ll bring you to places that you won’t ever expect.”

The upcoming Division Fall Rally North on Oct. 22 brings different divisions together at Six Flags. Attendees are encouraged to participate in spirit battles and meets/hangouts with other Key Club members.

“I was in line at the Medusa ride, (I met) Jocelyn. We connected well… there was a sort of vibe about her,” GBHS junior and secretary of the Key Club Jennifer Li said. “Seven months later at the District Convention we actually saw each other again which was kind of crazy.”

Through building these connections alongside community service, Li said her goal is to “improve herself as a leader.”