The New York Key Club District’s annual Leadership Training Conference (LTC) is a weekend conference designed to provide leadership workshops and recognition to Key Club officers. Key Club, a student-led organization for high school students, focuses on developing leadership skills through community service. Members participate in a wide range of volunteer activities, fundraising, and service projects that benefit both their schools and local communities.
This year, Key Club members from across the state traveled to Albany to participate in the long-awaited conference from Friday, Mar 28 through Sunday, Mar 30. The conference featured a full day of workshops covering a variety of topics, such as leadership development, life and career skills, resume building, and a deeper understanding of Key Club officer roles. Students also had several opportunities to network and connect with fellow Key Clubbers across the New York district, sharing ideas and forming lasting connections with peers who share a similar passion for service and leadership. LTC 2025 proved to be not only a chance to learn and grow, but also a celebration of the dedication and spirit that defines Key Club.
During LTC, as anticipation rose with the announcement of the new district board for the ‘25-’26 service year, the retiring board recounted their memorable experiences and lessons they learned along the way. Senior and current Division 7 Lieutenant Governor Jessica Strohofer explained her role at LTC: “I was lieutenant governor, which meant I had to help run and host workshops at the convention. My [yearly] responsibilities consisted of doing weekly updates, monthly newsletters, and hosting divisional, and being in charge of over 1,000 people. [Overall], I think LTC went phenomenally.”
While the responsibilities of managing a division of over 100 students can bring about vast stress, Strohofer took great pride in her accomplishments, viewing them not as personal milestones but as contributions to a greater cause. “I am most proud of how our division did. We raised over $100,000 for various charities, which is a record, and did 44,000+ service hours. Seeing how well the division did makes me proud to have served them,” Strohofer expressed.
At LTC, LHS’s Key Club proudly took home an impressive 10 awards, some of which include first place in Interclub Award, second place in Service Hours Per Member (93.5), and the Key of Honor to the club’s advisor, Dr. Benedict Tieniber. Such awards highlight the club’s commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement. These awards recognize the work members and officers put in throughout the year in order to accomplish the club’s goals.
Senior and current District Executive Assistant Katy Gottlieb also spoke on her journey. “I think LTC was a huge success this year. As [executive assistant], I was responsible for handing out awards, organizing welcome bags and name badges, delivering speeches, and presenting awards,” she recounted.
The work and passion of the district officers are what make LTC a success. Their countless hours of planning, leading, and supporting their peers ensure that the conference is not only well-organized but also inspiring and motivating to every attendee. Gottlieb shared some advice for any individuals interested in pursuing a district position: “The biggest lesson I learned was don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and take initiative. Being daring as a leader has its benefits.”
As the retiring board reflect on their journey coming to an end, the newly elected board is filled with enthusiasm, ready to take on their roles with new ideas and passion. Sophomore Skylar Wolkoff, the Division 7 Lieutenant Governor-elect, expressed her excitement: “I’m really excited to meet new people from all over Division 7 and work together on fun projects and events. I think it’s going to be really cool to help plan things and see everyone come together as a team. I’m also looking forward to growing as a leader and making this year fun and memorable for everyone.”
Wolkoff also opened up about her nervousness for the year ahead, expressing both excitement and uncertainty as she prepares to face new challenges and responsibilities. “I’m a little nervous about making sure I do a good job and don’t let anyone down. I hope to plan fun and meaningful events where we can make a real difference in our communities. I also want to help support every club in the division, whether that’s through better communication, sharing ideas, or just being there when they need help,” she shared. Wolkoff offered advice to others who express a passion for service: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even if it feels a little scary at first. My biggest advice is to stay organized, communicate clearly, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—you’re not doing it alone.”
Ultimately, LTC served as a memorable opportunity for students to showcase their leadership, talent, and capabilities outside the classroom. Many attendees left the conference with an abundance of valuable insights that they hope to bring into their local communities.
