CHARLES TOWN — The Washington High School Key Club came home from the 2024 District Convention (DCON) in Crystal City, Virginia, on April 14-15 with several awards.

Key Club leaders Karen Scott and Kina White led a group of 29 Key Club members and two members of the Charles Town Middle School Builders to the convention.

Three years ago, the West Virginia District combined with the Key Club Capital District, which also includes clubs in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C. Over 450 people attended the convention, so when the Key Club members received these recognitions, they were surprised and honored.

Kayla Holloman, a junior at Washington High School, became the first district governor from West Virginia. She is passionate about the Key Club and about helping the community.

“I love to see people’s reactions when we do something to help the community,” Holloman said. “It makes me feel good, and I want to spread that positivity to everyone. I’ve also been able to make so many connections in the community. I’m very passionate about being a part of Key Club in general.”

Holloman started Key Club as soon as she was old enough. She has been involved for many years through K-Kids and has put many hours of volunteer work into the community.

“We are so proud of Kayla,” White said. “She has brought a lot of happiness to the community, and we are so excited for her to have this opportunity.”

The club also won several contests and awards, including the Early Bird Patch for paying dues early; Non-digital Poster Honorable Mention, Megan Caltrider; Oratory Honorable Mention, Ben Caltrider; Oratory First Place, Henry Fesperman; Written Essay Honorable Mention, Lindsey Sprouse; Traditional Scrapbook Honorable Mention, Julie Fincham and Kiara Vega Leon; Distinguished Secretary, Fincham; Distinguished Webmaster, Ava Deblois; Distinguished Vice President, Vega Leon; Outstanding Secretary of the Year, Fincham; Above and Beyond Award, Fesperman; Stacey Phillips Board Member Award, Holloman; Robert F. Lucas LTG, Holloman; and LTG of Division 8, Fesperman.

“It’s very competitive, so it was a huge honor, especially for clubs who haven’t been with the district for very long,” Holloman said. “It was great to hear my own club’s name be called. We were all so excited.”