JD Hudson, a 9tth grader at Florala High School, has been chosen as Key Club lieutenant governor for Division 17. He has been a member of Key Club for two years. Key Club is the high school division of Kiwanis Club, which encourages teenagers to volunteer and to become an integral part of their community. Tri-Cities Kiwanis Club of Florala is Hudson’s sponsor.

The son of John and Stacie Hudson, he is not only a member of Key

Club, but he is also a member of Beta Club, Student Government, Future Farmers of America, and Fellowship of Christian Students.

“My passion for leadership and service to other people has called me to be a member of Key Club,” Hudson said. “My love for helping others is my passion.”

Hudson said that Key Club has taught him so much these past two years.

“My fellow Key Club members inspire and encourage me to be my best as I do the same for them. Without them and my advisors, I would not be where I am today.”

There are 20 divisions of Key Club in Alabama. Division 17 is one of the Southern divisions in Alabama. According to Hudson, the lieutenant governor is someone who manages the functions of multiple schools in their area.

“As a lieutenant governor, I am responsible for visiting Key Clubs and communicating with them regularly through emails, newsletters, and face-to-face contact, giving district and international updates. We work to improve the status of Alabama Key Clubs.”

Hudson was selected by a text from Pam Alexander, Zonechair of some of the southeast divisions, to the Key Club sponsor at FHS, Mrs. April Thrower.

“Mrs. Alexander messaged Mrs. Thrower,” Hudson said, “saying they were looking for someone at FHS who had good social and good leadership skills. Mrs. Thrower said she automatically thought of me.”

Mrs. Thrower, the FHS Key Club sponsor, said, “JD is always the first to volunteer for any task. He is self-motivated, honest and responsible. This opportunity could dramatically shape his future and prepare him for whatever lies ahead in his educational and professional career.”

Hudson will travel to Chicago, Ill., this summer where he will be able to meet with leaders from around the world and get advice to help him improve his division. Tri-Cities Kiwanis Club of Florala is sponsoring his trip.

Hudson said, “I’m so proud that I was selected to be the lieutenant governor. It’s a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity that will help me assist other Key Club members and their clubs. I want to thank everyone who helped me achieve this accomplishment.”

Hudson is an all-A student who is second in his class. He is a member of Abundant Life Church in Samson.