TCS Adds Kiwanis Builders Club:

Developing Servant Leaders

By Samantha DePriest

It is part of the mission of Trinity Christian School to build servant leaders. “Our mission is to prepare today’s student to impact tomorrow's world: by educating minds for cultural engagement, equipping hearts for character development, and empowering hands for compassionate service.” Last year our Middle School added the Kiwanis Builders Club to the list of offerings for grades 6th through 8th. Mrs. Natalie Jetter, 8th Grade Skills Development and Builders Club Faculty Advisor, has been leading Kiwanis service clubs for the past 5 years, first at Welch Elementary School with K-Kids, and now here at TCS with Builders Club.

Mrs. Natalie Jetter leads monthly Builders Club meetings for students to engage and work towards common goals of serving others. Mrs. Jetter shares, “Last year the very first Builders Club at Trinity was born. Jesus said," Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:26) It is my great desire that young people be counter cultural, and learn to serve in their school and community, because in doing so, they are imitating the Lord Jesus, the ultimate servant of all. We are so blessed to be able to do these acts of service in the name of the Lord, and to "look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. Also, the leadership skills the students learn will be invaluable throughout their lives. I am so thankful that the Lord has called me to facilitate this wonderful club!”

The Builders Club website shares about the purpose and goal of its organization. “There are more than 1,500 Builders Clubs in middle schools around the world. No two are alike. Each club is an independent entity-designed for its members, by its members. They work together to improve their schools and their communities. Their service also increases the visibility and enhances the reputation of both the club and the school or organization they represent. The program is designed to fit member and volunteer interests.”

In September, Mr. Matt Thompson from Kiwanis of Coweta visited TCS and spent time sharing with our students in Builders Club about what the club is all about and the role they serve in the community. He listened attentively to the students as they shared their desires to serve in Builders Club and even blessed them with a surprise of purple and white cupcakes at the end of their meeting.

Mrs. Jetter shares that the club exists to help build leaders through serving. She refers to the verse in the book of Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Mrs. Jetter goes on to share that, “Developing servant leaders helps to build confidence in our students, a spirit of gratitude, fosters creativity, encourages helping others, and develops connections in the community all while having fun.”

In the beginning of the school year, students had the opportunity to run for a leadership role within the club. Several students had prepared speeches of why they would like to serve in these roles within the Builders Club. Students were also encouraged to think about and write down ways in which they can serve our school as well as in the community. Mr. Thompson shared with the students how each role helps the mission of Builders Club. The following students were nominated by their peers to serve in these leadership roles this school year.

• Lucas Sprague and Samantha Malenius, Public Relations - convey the message, take good ideas and communicate them with others.

• Macy Almand, Secretary - assist with record keeping, good with details, have good handwriting, and is eager to do the job.

• Carter Pilkenton, Treasurer - responsible for keeping the money. If proven trustworthy in the small things, later will be trusted with big things.

• Reid Staffins, Vice President - back-up for the president, can fill in when necessary.

• Kaiden Richardson, President - make sure every officer is doing the job and promoting goodwill, joy, and happiness.                            

In October, the Builders Club compiled a list of of tips to avoid cyber bullying which benefitted our TCS students. In November, the students raised money by doing projects at home for the Wounded Warrior Project honoring veterans. Most recently this month, students had their first off-campus mission at nearby Magnolia Senior Living Center. They sang Christmas carols and gave out hand made Christmas cards and mints to residents. You could see the joy on the residents faces when the students visited with them.

Impactful opportunities like these give our students experiences to help to build a firm foundation for their future. Empowering students to learn in and seek out gifts and talents that God has gifted them with, not for their own benefit but rather for the benefit of others, that’s what TCS is all about. Developing a spirit of generosity and a heart for service while keeping Jesus first is what will make this next generation of world changers successful.