Lisa Jackson and Sarah Staples-Farmer receive the program’s highest honor. 

By Destiny Cherry

Two Key Club International volunteers — Lisa Jackson of Streator, Illinois, U.S., and Sarah Staples-Farmer of Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. — were recently recognized with The Key of Honor. The organization’s highest award of service, the Key of Honor acknowledges a volunteer’s lifelong positive impact upon youth in general and Key Club specifically.  

The Key Club International Board presented Jackson (at left in photo above) and Staples-Farmer (at right) with their awards during the 2026 Key Club International Convention in Dallas, Texas, U.S., in July. 

Lisa Jackson
Lisa Jackson has dedicated 15 years of her life to special education in the public school system. Before that, her passion for education and helping youth shone through her work with Sylvan Learning Center, which offers personalized instruction in core subjects, study skills, test-taking and preparation for college exams. 

Jackson became a Key Club faculty advisor at Woodland High School in Streator, Illinois, U.S, five years ago and immediately made an impact. In addition to her daily advisor duties, she has been a major advocate of her Key Club members attending the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Convention and Leadership Conference. She attends as a chaperone but uses the experience to teach her students about accountability, consideration and responsibility. 

Jackson also serves as an advisor for Woodland’s student council program. She has been named Teacher of the Year and featured in the local news for her caring, compassionate nature toward her students.  

“She has made our school more than just a required learning environment, but a place we want to be a part of,” Aubrey La Valle, one of Jackson’s Key Club members, wrote in the Key of Honor nomination. “She has made our Key Club more than just service for recognition, but a place to share our love for service modeled by our selfless leader.” 

Sarah Staples-Farmer
Sarah Staples-Farmer is an English teacher at Lincoln East High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S. She began her journey as the founding faculty advisor for Lincoln East’s Key Club. With 12 years of experience, she has become a role model, mentor and supporter for Key Club members both past and present. 

As an advisor, she leads her Key Club students to run for higher office positions, encourages them to get active and involved in their communities and teaches them to better understand their mental health and wellbeing. She also has accepted roles on the School Improvement, Cultural Proficiency, and Gifted/High Ability Learner committees and has become a writing coach. 

Staples-Farmer got her Ph.D. in youth culture, school, society and reform. She has given presentations for Lincoln Public Schools on understanding, supporting and better teaching troubled youth.  

In Staples-Farmer’s nominating letter of summation, Key Club members Hailey Tran and Sophia Wang wrote, “What most distinguishes Dr. Staples-Farmer is the manner in which she leads … [She] sets high expectations while making it clear that the club’s success belongs to the students themselves. As a result, students emerge not just as volunteers, but as thoughtful, service-minded leaders prepared to serve beyond high school.”