The Plant City Kiwanis Club supports the Terrific Kids program at four area elementary schools and hopes to expand its reach in the future.
The Plant City Kiwanis Club is making a habit out of celebrating outstanding students.
This year, the club has expanded its reach with Terrific Kids, a program that recognizes students for character and hard work. Though the club has supported the program for nine years, it has expanded its outreach in Plant City elementary schools. This year, the club supports the Terrific Kids program at Jackson, Burney and Wilson elementary schools and Independence Academy.
Nationwide, the program is sponsored by Kiwanis International.
“The Kiwanis Club sponsors it,” club member Sharon Moody said. “We want to expand. We hope we can do up to 10 schools within the next year. It’s all elementary schools with this program.”
Supporting Students
Every month, each school recognizes a student from every class who has demonstrated leadership skills and strong character. The students are recommended by either their teachers or peers and are celebrated with various treats and goodies.
At Wilson Elementary School, October’s Terrific Kids were recognized Thursday, Oct. 6. The Plant City Kiwanis Club brought juice and doughnuts to students, who also were rewarded with Terrific Kid pencils, buttons and stickers.
Mac Smith and Don Walden, both members of the Plant City Kiwanis Club, were present Oct. 6 to hand out the rewards to students. Both attended Wilson together during their childhood.
“I was born in 1929 and went here in 1935,” Smith said. “It brings back old memories. I lived not too far from here when I went to school.”
“They are the advisors here,” Moody said.
Now they, along with the rest of the Plant City Kiwanis Club, are supporting the next generation of students. The aim of the program is to teach students how to establish and reach goals while encouraging peer mentoring. Additionally, the program aims to empower students by recognizing them amongst their peers.
“Each teacher picks a different kid every month,” Wilson Elementary guidance counselor Laura Roman said. “They’re recognized on the morning show. Every week we have conversations about character.”
Those interested in supporting the Plant City Kiwanis Club and helping the club extend its outreach to other area schools are encouraged to join. The club meets every Wednesday at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive in Plant City.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
