Builders Club installs officers

Robert Moore School and local Kiwanians continue keeping the spirit of community service alive as the school’s Builders Club—a junior version of the Kiwanis Club—held its installation of officers last Thursday night.
Carra Onichuk was named president, Carly Busch vice-president, Alexa Lesperance secretary, and Serena Stromberg treasurer. Tanner Bell is past-president.
Shanda DeGagne-Begin, a director with the Fort Frances Kiwanis Club, was on hand to explain to each officer what his or her role is and have them take their oaths of office.
Kiwanis secretary Dr. Robert Lidkea, the town’s “Citizen of the Year” for 2007, also was on hand to congratulate the Builders Club members for their good work, as were friends and family of the club members.
There are about 30 members from Grades 6-8 in this year’s Builders Club.
“These group members traditionally have been a very dedicated group of students, and I don’t see this year as being any different than past years,” said teacher liaison Sarah Freeman-Kivimaki, who offers guidance to the club members along with fellow teachers Lorina Fryer and Alison Simpson.
“These students donate many hours of their time in their selfless volunteer activities,” she added. “They should be commended on the excellent leadership they demonstrate throughout the year.”
Fryer said the Builders Club is busy with various activities, whether that’s spending time to play board games with Rainycrest residents, holding a food drive for the local Salvation Army food bank, or running a canteen each Friday at the school with proceeds going to a local charity.
The students also put together a float for the Santa Claus parade last month, and have adopted a family for Christmas through the Salvation Army.
Other past activities have included holding a car wash fundraiser, running a rummage sale, planting trees at Sunny Cove Camp, and working at the annual Robert Moore School barbecue each June.
“The students in the Builders Club are making a very positive impact in our school and in our community. They should be very proud to be part of such a caring, generous group of students,” said Freeman-Kivimaki.
“Keep up the great work, everyone. We are all looking forward to another productive year working with the Builders Club,” she enthused.