WESTFIELD-For more than 70 years, the Westfield Kiwanis Club has been awarding high school students for being “good citizens.”
With a deadline of April 15 fast approaching to apply for an award, high school students – not just seniors – are encouraged to complete an application.
“The Kiwanis Good Citizen Award is unique because it focuses on service to community, school, and church rather than academics,” said Dr. Sylvia Abar, who has served as chair of the Kiwanis Good Citizen Award Selection Committee since 2008.
Abar noted that as a former educator and school administrator, she feels it is essential to “acknowledge the outstanding work of the young people in our community.”
While the number of students who apply each spring varies from year to year, traditionally the committee receives anywhere from 25 to more than 40 applications.
Applications can be downloaded at www.westfieldkiwanis.org or can be acquired from guidance counselors at Westfield High School, Westfield Technical Academy, St. Mary High School, and the Southwick Regional School. Additionally, applications are distributed to the advisers of the Kiwanis Key Clubs.
“All high school students are eligible to apply for the Kiwanis Good Citizen Award,” said Abar, adding, “one student is selected from each of the four high schools.”
The selection committee is usually composed of five to seven Kiwanians with members changing each year. This spring, Rev. Joseph Solysiak, Alex Khatchadourian, Betty Sposito, Geana Delisle and Daniele Sturmer are serving on the committee.
“All identifying information on the applications is redacted,” said Abar. “If, however, a member realizes they may know an applicant, they recuse themselves from voting on the applications from that particular school.”
On the single page form, students are asked to detail meaningful community service activities including hours spent on a program, as well as the contact person with a telephone number for verification purposes.
“Each of the four Kiwanis Good Citizen Award recipients and their parents are invited to a Kiwanis meeting,” said Abar. “At the meeting, each recipient gives a speech about their service and what service means to them. Each recipient is awarded with a certificate and a check for $500.”
Abar added that the Westfield Kiwanis Club encourages the youth of Westfield to become active in service to the community. Currently, the club supports Kiwanis K-Kids Clubs at Franklin Avenue Elementary School, Paper Mill Elementary School, Munger Hill Elementary School, Southampton Road School, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield. Also, the club sponsors Kiwanis Builders Clubs at the Westfield Intermediate School and Westfield Middle School; Kiwanis Key Clubs at Westfield High School, Westfield Technical Academy, and St. Mary High School, and the Kiwanis Circle K at Westfield State University.
“There are many Westfield students who have completed numerous hours of service, and this award gives these students an opportunity to be acknowledged and rewarded,” said Abar.
