Jayce Kaldunski Named Placerville Kiwanis Student Service Leader of the Month

00:00 AM - February 01, 2021

The Kiwanis Club of Placerville recently presented Jayce Kaldunski with the Student Service Leader of the Month award for January because of his tireless efforts as President of the El Dorado High School (EDHS) Key Club. Kiwanis hosts student leadership Key Clubs at El Dorado, Ponderosa and Union Mine High Schools where students organize programs to benefit the community. To recognize their efforts, the Student Service Leader of the Month award program was established this year to help enhance job resumes and college applications.

After receiving his award, Jayce expressed, “I am incredibly honored to be recognized by Placerville Kiwanis and grateful that this organization has given me and my fellow club members a way to help serve our community in such a meaningful way. It is so amazing that our club has been able to stay connected during a time where it can be difficult to do so.”

Dina Gentry, Placerville Kiwanis President and award committee member, explained, “Our club members work hard to empower our student leaders through comprehensive programs and I thank them for their service. It is important that we celebrate our student leaders for their remarkable accomplishments. Jayce demonstrates excellence in everyone he does and we are proud of him.”

Jayce is a sophomore and has served in the Key Club for two years. Sophie Cabrera, Kiwanis Key Club Advisor, noted, “Jayce is the energy of the club. When school closed he started zoom meetings, he set up a google share folder and posts information for members to access. He motivates the club to think of fundraising ideas and participate. He proposed an incentive program to reward students for bringing in members, reaching service goal. He tasked each of the officers with a committee to promote involvement. Jayce is an inspiration and club members follow his lead.”

The club organizes several service and fundraising opportunities throughout the year, and Jayce explained one of their projects that took place during summer of 2020, “Our club made thank you cards and appreciation letters to give out to essential workers in our community. These cards went to teachers, healthcare workers, delivery and postal staff, and many others! Our club was even recognized by Key Club International for making the most cards! We had members make cards on their own, and we also held zoom sessions where we all could come together and make them together!”

Jayce also serves as EDHS’s student leadership team vice president, secretary for EDHS Hands for Hope and is active in the Imagination Theater community. Dr. Ron Carruth, El Dorado Union High School District Superintendent and Kiwanis member attended the presentation, via Zoom, and read these remarks by Matt Barnes, EDHS Principal, “Jayce is a spectacular person. He is clever and witty and has a wonderful sense of humor. He gives the most sincere good morning of any student that I have encountered over the course of my career. He is a great human being and is the epitome of what we all want to see in our students.”

Dr. Ed Manansala, El Dorado County Superintendent is a Kiwanis member and serves on the award committee. During the presentation he remarked, “This is a challenging time for any student, and Jayce exemplifies unselfish leadership that encourages fellow classmates and our community. Congratulations Jayce!”

For more information regarding Placerville Kiwanis and how your student can join a Key Club, call Dina at (530) 457-7597 or visit placervillekiwanis.org

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