On a recent Wednesday in January, about 60 students ranging from freshman to seniors walked into Key Club, an internationally recognized organization that has a branch here at Big Sky.

The room was filled with chatter about the club’s upcoming projects this February. Some of the students began talking about entering their community service hours, while others waited for the meeting to commence. 

When the meeting officially began, everyone stood from their seats and recited the Key Club pledge. Club Presidents Brooke Wiswell and Emery Lind then spoke to the group with excitement about the new and upcoming projects, including an event dedicated to valentine card making for nursing home residents and the Polar Plunge. The Polar Plunge is an annual event that is internationally held to raise money for the Special Olympics.

“It’s such a good way to connect with the community while also feeling, like, fulfilled in doing things,” Lind said. Both Lind and Wiswell have been a part of the club since their freshman year. 

But joining Key Club has more benefits than just helping the community. Since the club is internationally recognized, it’s a great thing to have on resumes, college essays, and scholarship opportunities, Wiswell said. 

“All Colleges recognize key clubs. If you’re in the club for two years, you get to wear a chord at graduation. You can use it in your college essays and it just looks really good for you,” Wiswell explained. 

While speaking with Bob Ellenbecker, Big Sky’s Key Club advisor, he was asked about why the club was important to him. Ellenbecker believes that since we are all members of this community, why not be here to support it?

“It really connects them with the community within the school, but then the community outside the school as well and just knowing that they can do something that will help other people,” Ellenbecker said.  “I think that’s pretty empowering.”