The Kansas Association for Youth, or KAY for short, has been in operation since 1946. It was originally founded by Wanda May Vinson and is directed by the Kansas State High School Activities Association, or KSHSAA. The program is described by KSHAA as a “character-building, leadership training, service program.”
Throughout its history, KAY has provided its members with positive attitudes towards helping others and providing services. This is seen most through the programs integrated into schools under the KSHSAA program, which have KAY clubs for students. Students from sixth to twelfth grade are eligible to participate in the program and do all kinds of service for their town and school communities.
KAY club’s goal is not only to build a strong relationship between students and a leadership mindset, but also to give back to the communities that raised them. Community service is the most prominent way to form these habits of giving in students.
Karlie Cooper is a freshman at McPherson High School, participating in KAY club as well as volleyball and basketball. She is the younger sister of the president of KAY club at McPherson High School, Mallorie Cooper. Mallorie is now a senior who participates in volleyball and is a student council member. This year, Mallorie is president of KAY club. Karlie Cooper started with the program this summer and has been dutifully participating since.
KAY club holds many events that members, including the Coopers, participate in. “Usually we participate in the rake and run, so you go around town and you rake people’s yards.” Karlie Cooper mentioned when asked about the club’s many events to service the community.
Some of KAY’s events this year include the “Fill-the-Box Food Drive for Caring Hearts” in October and November, “Hope for the Holidays” in November and December, the “Honor Flight Appreciation”, and the “American Red Cross Blood Drive” in September and February.
The food drive, one of the more popular events, can be the easiest to participate in and the most impactful. Anyone can participate very easily, and it makes a big difference. “We usually do some kind of project where we collect nonperishable food items and donate them to the food bank.” Karlie Cooper said.
KAY club is present in many schools throughout Kansas, but there’s always room for more participants.
Every member makes a difference, no matter how big or small. Karlie Cooper has made her own impact. “I think that I’ve gotten a lot of my friends to want to join Kay club and be a part of it and the activites we do…I think having a board member for each grade is helpful. It shows each grade it’s acceptable to join, because some people think it’s weird to join clubs.”
KAY club has more upcoming events throughout the year, and they will only keep coming. Karlie Cooper is just one of many Kansas students making a real difference, and in the years to come, it will only continue. You could be a part of it, too.
