Accompanied by Spanish teacher Carolyn Zeligman, eight members of the Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) attended the 2013 KAY Regional Conference in Overbrook, Kansas on Nov. 12. Located about an hour away from Southwest, the venue hosted all KAY Clubs around the state and provided an opportunity for sponsors and neighboring groups to share ideas, much like the Student Council State Conference that was hosted at Southwest on Sept. 24.

“I’d just say it was really helpful in providing us ideas and kick-starting our club,” KAY Club member Sneha Bhavanasi said. “It was an extremely valuable experience.”

The club received the Gold Award, which recognizes their excellent leadership and service to their school. The theme for this year’s conference was “Leadership Round-Up!”, and the following KAY members attended: Bhavanasi, Uma Desai, Jack Fiorella, Taylor Massey, Jay Patel, Anjali Pradeep, Vanessa Shields and Renita Wilson.

“KAY is a character-building, leadership training program directed by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA),” the KAY News Release and Publicity Director said. “This nationally acclaimed organization provides students an opportunity to learn to assume their citizenship responsibilities and to enrich their personalities through well organized programs. These programs emphasize four areas of service: school, community, nation and world.”