Morgan Hill Kiwanis has worked tirelessly during the past 73 years to support the children of our community through scholarships and a wide variety of youth programs.
Kiwanis is an international service organization, and our local club has a long and deeply rooted history in Morgan Hill. Through its variety of programs, the lives of our children are greatly enriched by the efforts of its dedicated groups of volunteers.
The primary focus of the club is the Turn Around Scholarship. The TAS is a unique and powerful scholarship. It is awarded to graduating high school seniors who have successfully faced adversity and have continued with their education. TAS scholars are supported during the course of their post-high school programs, at a two- or four-year college/university or trade school.
Morgan Hill Kiwanis scholarships renew each semester for up to five years, so long as our TAS scholars are successful in their school programs. The long-term continuity of student funding fosters a close connection between our student scholars and club. It is a hallmark of Kiwanis, and we are proud to have 26 Turn Around scholars currently in our program.
The most visible activity of Morgan Hill Kiwanis is the Holiday Lights Parade. Long an annual tradition in our town, Kiwanis partners with the city to bring the parade to town every year for the past four decades. The parade is anticipated by everyone as a harbinger of the holiday season.
This year, the parade will be Saturday, Dec. 6. It promises to be the best parade ever!
Kiwanis also provides scholarships that enable youth to participate in programs throughout the year at the Centennial Recreation Center and the El Toro Boys and Girls Club. There is a Kiwanis Club for students at Sobrato High School (Key Club), Britton Middle School (Builders Club) and PA Walsh Elementary School (K-Kids). Kiwanis is a long-time volunteer and monetary sponsor of the robotics program at Britton Middle School.
Many of the seasonal decorations neighbors and visitors see in downtown Morgan Hill are organized and maintained by Kiwanis, including the snowflake lights on Third Street in December and the American flags that line Monterey Road before and after Fourth of July.
Morgan Hill Kiwanis is deeply embedded in our community and brings a host of opportunities for our children to grow and thrive.
Many of you will see Kiwanis Members at their food tent at the Friday Night Music series at the Community and Cultural Center. Stop by to say hello and thank them for their commitment to our children.
Morgan Hill Kiwanis meets at 7pm every Tuesday at Mama Mia Restaurant. All are welcome, or visit MorganHillKiwanis.org. Check them out and consider joining this powerhouse community service organization.
Our town is a better place if we join together to support each other.
Margaret Graham
Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club Member
