Service runs in my family. My mom is a Lion, and has often spoken about how much good Lions do around the world. So when the Westfield Lions Club of Indiana organized its subsidiary student organization—the LEO Club—at my school, I saw this as a unique opportunity to serve my community. I was a sophomore at Westfield High School when the LEO Club was formed, so I joined, and even volunteered to serve as president for the coming year.
Ever since I was in second grade, I’ve had to wear glasses or contacts, so the fact that Lions clubs help the blind and visually impaired really appealed to me. I felt like I had finally found the right fit for my passion for service.
Our club participated in some fun and unique fundraisers. One of them was the annual Brian’s Trike Race. As a team, we tested our athletic prowess by racing oversized tricycles in the race to raise money for the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI). It felt good to see our efforts having a direct, positive impact on others. And the way we all interacted with one another, and planned and carried out our service activities was so inspiring. Together, we were on a mission to serve.
I liked that our LEO Club had a direct connection to the Westfield Lions Club. The Lions listened to us and made us feel like we were part of the family. It was really cool to have caring adults and young people all working together towards a common goal—that of making peoples’ lives better.
Being involved with the LEO program also helped prepare me for my journey ahead in so many ways. I acquired valuable leadership and project management skills, learned how to work collaboratively with others and met some amazing people along the way. It was a tremendously rewarding year.
Young people love to give back. They…have great ideas and are passionate about what they do.
My Service Journey Continues
Five years later, in 2016, I moved back to Westfield after I left college, landed my dream job and got my own place. I felt that I had achieved my lifestyle milestones, but something was missing. I love people, and I love helping others. I wanted to give back to my community. I knew exactly where I needed to be: the Westfield Lions Club. They warmly welcomed me into their family as the first Leo to Lion ever.
I am proud to serve alongside my Lion colleagues, but never expected the club to impact me in the way that it has in such a short time. Last winter, I received the Roy O. Hadley Lion of the Year award in recognition of my service during my inaugural year. I am the first woman to receive this award, and I am truly honored. In July 2018, I became the first female officer to be inducted into our club, where I will serve as second vice president.
My two short years with the Westfield Lions Club have been jam-packed with community service, new friendships and wonderful experiences. My fellow Lions have passed on their wisdom, humor and passion for service during my time with them thus far. I am humbled that my peers trust me for the position of second vice president, and am filled with excitement about what’s ahead for our club.
I encourage Lions everywhere to invite young people to join them in their service journey. This is so important as it will bring fresh perspectives and new ideas into clubs so they can lead the way in service in the 21st century. Young people love to give back. They’re full of energy, have great ideas and are passionate about what they do.
We, as Lions, are creating leaders in our communities. There is no substitute for leadership during these times, and I am extremely blessed to give back to my community through the Westfield Lions Club.
Lion Anna Skinner is a managing editor with Current Publishing, a community newspaper in central Indiana.
Portions of this story were taken from a column, with permission, originally published by Current Publishing, copyright 2018.
