Graduation won’t be the same this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, let’s do something special to celebrate and thank Key Club graduating students for their hard work and dedication. We know advisors are looking for creative ways to honor the Class of 2020. Here are some ways to recognize them while practicing social distancing: :

• Write a personal note. Thank them for their commitment to service during their time in Key Club. Be sure to use specific examples of how this member went above and beyond.
• Record a video and post it on social media. Use your cell phone to record yourself thanking the students, calling each of them out by name and telling them how proud you are of their achievements. Send it to the club’s social media manager to be posted on the official Key Club page.
• Host a virtual celebration. Invite all the members of your Key Club and other faculty advisors or Kiwanis members who have worked with the seniors. Ask adults and students alike to share why they appreciate these seniors. There are many ways to host video conferences.Zoom is a great tool to get everyone together virtually.
• Make a good old-fashioned phone call. Call them on their home phone and thank them for their leadership and service.
• Invite all Key Clubbers to thank them. Ask lowerclassmen members to write personal notes to the seniors or record thank you videos to post on social media.
• Plan for recognition at the graduation ceremony. Whether the school is having a virtual graduation or postponing the in-person event, stay up to date on the plan. Consider asking the organizers to include you as part of the conversation to ensure that your seniors have an opportunity to be honored as Key Clubbers.
• Show appreciation publicly. Create a banner to congratulate the Class of 2020 Key Club seniors and display it in a public space.

Bonus: Order graduation items or keepsakes from the Kiwanis Family Store to be used for the various ceremonies that are being planned. 

These ideas will go a long way toward creating the special memories Key Club seniors deserve.

Do you have any other ideas to recognize your Key Club seniors? Share them with us by emailing PR@KeyClub.org.