Dare spurs creation of Builders Club

Kiwanians espouse the importance of helping youth develop character and leadership skills. But Jo Dare put words into action when she formed a Builders Club at Felten Middle School in Hays, Kansas.

“Our education system is about helping one child at a time,” Jo, counselor at the school and member of the Hays Kiwanis club, told The Hays Daily News. “(Builders Club) seems like a good fit.”

To generate interest in the club among students, Kiwanians staged an assembly where they talked about Builders Club and why being involved in the Kiwanis family is important.

“There’s no doubt being involved in Kiwanis in high school is a big part of where I am today,” Mitch Hall, district representative for Jerry Moran, US Representative from Kansas, told students. “The things I learned in Key Club helped when I got to Fort Hays.” Hall was a member of the Key Club at Chaparral High School in Anthony, Kansas, and then became student body president at Fort Hays State University.

Jo has been meeting with students at least twice a month to plan activities the club will perform alone and with her Kiwanis club.

“I think this will help our students learn more about civic involvement and helping people,” Jo says. “We will take Kiwanis projects to their level and help them understand they can make a difference.”