By Lillie Pon ('24)

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The newly created Riverside Key Club has been doing many things to give back to the community. After seventh grader Skyler Edwards was injured crossing Main Street on his way to school, Revello's Pizza in Old Forge, owned by Pat Revello and his family, offered to donate pizzas to raise money. “Pizza for Skylar" raised $3000 dollars for Edwards to aid in his recovery and help cover some of the medical bills. Revello's donated 200 par-baked pizzas, which were sold by the Key Club at $15 per tray. The Club presented the family with all the profits, showing the strength of the Riverside Community when someone is in need.

Next, on February 21st, during a Riverside boy's District II playoff game against Wyoming Seminary, the community came together for “Slam Dunks and Snuggles”. The crowd was asked to bring in a gently used stuffed animal to be donated to the Ronald McDonald house, a nonprofit family and children's charity dedicated to supporting families with sick children in their time of need. At half time of the game, fans were asked to throw the stuffed animal onto the court. Varsity cheerleaders picked up the donations under the leadership of Key Club President and Senior cheerleader Leah Pfeiffer. The Club collected 50+ stuffed animals of all shapes in sizes for the charity.

In addition, the Key Club just announced a the sale of limited edition Pura Vida bracelets as a fundraiser to utilize for future community projects. Each bracelet is $7 and can be purchased by contacting Key Club faculty advisor Mrs. Jessica Trescavage.

By Jessdaly Torres ('26) & Anavi Nieves ('26)

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On February 1st, Riverside’s Key club members participated in a service project called "Story Capsules" at the Clarks Summit Senior Living in Clarks Summit.  Members Anavi Nieves, Kaysha Vasquez, Vishwa Gandhi, Brisa Castillo, and Jessdaly Torres interviewed three residents from the nursing home and shared those memories with the residents families as a keepsake. 

The students asked the residents questions about their life and their goals when they were young. At the end of each interview the residents were asked, "what advice would you give to this generation now?" One of the residents, Sofie, answered, “it is very difficult because everything is so different now then it was before.” 

Another resident the students met, Jim, is a “Hero” because he served our country during the Korean War. Jim risked his life for this country, and his inspiring stories make him a memorable figure.  

Vishwa Gandhi, a Sophomore member of the club, stated, “I learned a lot from The Story Capsule. It was a great experience where I got to meet the older generation and hear about their lifestyles, about how everything was different back then compared to now.  The resident I interviewed gave some good advice that will help me now and then in the future. If I have a chance to do this again. I would love to.” 

The Story Capsule program gave the students an opportunity to view various aspects of the older generation’s life, including learning about their goals, their childhood, their advice, and the obstacles they faced throughout their lives. 

For the members of the Key Club, the Story Capsules project was a truly remarkable experience and definitely something these students will never forget and cherish forever.

The faculty advisor for the Riverside Key Club is Mrs. Jessica Trescavage.