Marco Kiwanis Host First Builders Club Breakfast

The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island was honored to host its first-ever Builders Club Breakfast Celebration, recognizing outstanding student leaders from Marco Island Middle School who exemplify service, leadership, and a commitment to their community.

Builders Club is a student-led organization designed for middle school students, focused on developing leadership skills through service. Each club is supported by two types of advisors – a faculty advisor and a Kiwanis advisor – who work together to mentor and guide students. Through their involvement, members are encouraged to become service-minded leaders, not only today but through their lives.

The students participated in engaging interviews conducted by Kiwanis advisors, Marie Lynn McChesney and Lori Galiana, offering insight into their experiences, goals, and the meaningful role service plays in their lives. At this inaugural celebration, the Kiwanis Club proudly recognized five exceptional students. These young leaders were honored for their dedication, initiative, and positive impact within their school and community.

During the interview process, the following insights were shared about the Builders Club students honored today. Violet Billingsley, an eighth-grade student and current president of Builders Club aspires to becoming a robotics engineer and has a strong interest in environmental stewardship on Marco Island.

Jasir Davila-Ebeid, a sixth-grade student and current vice president of Builders Club enjoys participating in community events while continuing to develop his leadership skills.

Emily Kerens, a sixth-grade student, values the close-knit Marco Island community and inspired by her love of animals, hopes to become a veterinarian.

Delaney Dolan is an actively involved member whose interests include supporting the Humane Society and engaging in service within the local community,

Kate Skudnig is likewise an active participant, sharing a passion for the Humane Society and an appreciation for growing up in a small community such as Marco Island.

Collectively, these students demonstrate a strong commitment to service and a clear desire to become meaningful contributors to their community in the future.

Also in attendance were Marco Island Middle School Principal Margo Heidenreich, along with faculty advisor Kendall Jacobs, and Teri Bush, instructional coach, whose guidance and support play a vital role in the success of the Builders Club. Also present were the families of the honored students – proud parents who shared in celebrating their children’s achievements.

The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island is proud to support programs like Builders Club, which align with its mission of serving the children of the world by fostering leadership, character development, and a spirit of community involvement. This first Builders Club Breakfast Celebration marks the beginning of what the Kiwanis Club hopes will become a cherished tradition of recognizing and encouraging the next generation of leaders.