Following weeks of training for the event, Key Club participated in the Regional Training Conference at Green Valley High School on Oct. 26.

“Our cheers have always had a creative aspect, mostly interactive, to try and impress the judges,” Vice President of Spirit Mhyraquel Quinto said. “Additionally, since they worked well, we use past [year’s] cheers as side cheers and it’s always fun to revisit.”

Key Club chapters from across the valley compete for the Spirit Stick, as well as attend workshops focused on the mission values of the organization. The Spirit Stick portion of the event is judged by sportsmanship, respect towards other schools and the quality of a club’s cheers.

“This was my first RTC experience and it was so much fun,” Key Club member Chastine Tran said. “Everyone hypes it up but it really is such a great event where you can meet new people and even catch up with old friends you lost touch with.”

In the end, Desert Oasis won the spirit stick, with Clark and Southwest in the top three for Division 28.

“I had a good time going through the different workshops during RTC this year,” Key Club historian Casey Joseph said. “A lot of my own friends were workshop presenters and it was nice seeing them take leadership and go out of their comfort zones to present to students across the valley.”

Key Club will focus on teaching teamwork and communication skills to its members, as well as participating in community service. Fall Rally is the final event of the Key Club year, taking place on Nov. 9.

“I think volunteering is one of the best parts of our club,” Joseph said. “It’s important especially within our generation as we get to inform students early on of the importance of working toward the betterment of our community.”