KAY's
KANSAS ASSOCIATION FOR YOUTH
(KAY)
The Kansas Association for Youth (KAY), a student association unique to Kansas, is a character-building, leadership-training, service program by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. This organization provides students an opportunity to learn to assume their citizenship responsibilities and to enrich their personalities through well-organized programs, projects and parties. Programs educate, inspire and direct members into carefully planned service projects. These projects emphasize four areas of service--school, community, nation and world.
There are many benefits in favor of activities such as the Kansas Association for Youth. Students who participate in activities tend to have higher grade point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates and fewer discipline problems. Activities also contribute greatly to school spirit and they help make school much more enjoyable.
All boys and girls in grades 6-12 whose schools are members of the KSHSAA may join the KAY Club in their school. By belonging to KAY these students can experience the concept of teamwork … that they are all unique individuals and that by working together they can achieve a desirable goal. Through KAY, students can sharpen their leadership skills as well as build their confidence and self-esteem. In addition, KAY school service projects can help promote school spirit and pride. In Kay, students are developing an attitude for life regarding leadership and service—an attitude of “we get to” rather that “we have to.” They are learning at a young age about assuming their citizenship responsibility.
Paola Middle School has a membership drive at the beginning of each school year. The cost is $5.00 to join.
To find out more about the KAY Program go to the KSHSAA website: www.kshsaa.org (activities / non-athletic / Kansas Association for Youth)
Sponsor: Michelle Haley