Just before the night market opened and waves of friends and families started to crowd in, RCHS Key Club members were already contributing to make the night come alive. Members spent their afternoon setting up tents and tables beneath glowing strings of lanterns and weaving between tents with supplies and food for the incoming crowds. As the evening progressed, music and laughter filled the air as volunteers served meals and drinks to customers. Their work behind the scenes of the night market is just one example of how Key Club supports their community and brings people together throughout the year.
Bringing people together is at the heart of everything Key Club does. Whether they’re setting up for an event or organizing spirit sessions, members focus on creating moments where students can connect and interact with each other.
Key Club’s events aren’t just about volunteering; they’re about building bonds between classmates and making it easier for students from other schools to meet. The focus of wanting to unite students is what sets them apart from other clubs and makes them stand out in recruiting new members.
“Key Club has a lot of energy. You can’t be nonchalant. There’s so many nice people to meet and become friends with,” Mackenzie Gilliland said.
Rancho Cucamonga’s division of Key Club is D15North, and this includes other schools in the area like Alta Loma High School, Etiwanda High School, Los Osos High School, and Claremont High School.
Key Club takes on volunteering opportunities like the night market, or events like the Harvest Hoedown to strengthen connections to the community and give students hands-on experience in leadership and work environments. Through weekend events, after school activities, and city partnerships, members learn to become reliable and provide support to local programs.
This year, the club has expanded both its membership and its outreach, making its role in community service more visible than ever.
“We impact our community by volunteering to help where we are needed. I know we’ve made food and had a mile run to raise money,” junior Chase Vasquez said.
Throughout the year, Key Club hosts spirit sessions almost every other week for members to practice their chants that they will be performing at upcoming events.
“Right now, we’re preparing for Fall Rally South, which is at Six Flags. I’m excited to go compete with friends and to experience this since it’s my first time,” Bagatt said.
Through service, spirit, and shared experiences, Key Club continues to shape a welcoming environment for students and the community. As the program continues to grow, it proves that volunteering is about more than just service hours. The friendships built from providing for others have a larger effect than any event.
