When Sophia and Hailey learned about the Key of Honor, the highest award presented by Key Club International, they immediately knew who they wanted to nominate.

The recent Lincoln East High School graduates spent weeks gathering letters of recommendation, researching accomplishments and compiling a nomination portfolio for their Key Club advisor, Sarah Staples-Farmer. Key Club is a student-led service organization that encourages leadership, character development and community involvement through volunteer service. What they didn't tell her was that they were doing any of it.

"I've watched how much time and passion she's dedicated to Key Club," Sophia said. "She's helped us connect with local organizations for fundraising and future projects. She is constantly thinking of ways to improve our Key Club year after year."

Their efforts paid off.

Staples-Farmer was selected by the Key Club International Board of Trustees to receive the Key of Honor. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on youth through service and leadership.

The surprise was revealed during the Nebraska-Iowa Key Club District Convention in March.

"Hailey and Sophia took the stage and started reading some speech they had composed," Staples-Farmer said. "I did not know the purpose of their speech or whom they were talking about until a few moments in. Then, I understood. Deeply shocked and literally speechless, of course I became emotional and teary."

For Sophia and Hailey, the nomination was an opportunity to recognize a mentor who had shaped their high school experience.

"She's a mentor and teacher I trust wholeheartedly," Sophia said. "She instills an attitude to keep dreaming and that anything is possible. She's helped me through my mistakes and taught me how to learn from them. All in all, she's an amazing teacher who truly cares about each and every one of her students.” 

Hailey said Staples-Farmer's impact extends far beyond organizing service projects.

"She has really been our club's support system," Hailey said. "She gives us advice whenever we need it, defends us whenever problems arise during volunteering, and her love for service truly spreads to everyone who attends our meetings."

To build the nomination portfolio, Sophia and Hailey worked with district and community leaders to gather recommendation letters and document Staples-Farmer's impact. The final submission included biographical information, letters of recommendation, photos and examples of Key Club achievements.

Staples-Farmer said she is especially proud of the initiative the students showed throughout the process.

"I am so proud of these two and their ability to present something professional, organized, complete and comprehensive," she said. "This was an excellent learning opportunity for them for future endeavors in college."

Staples-Farmer has served as Lincoln East's Key Club advisor since 2014. During that time, membership has grown from 11 charter members to more than 80 students. This year alone, the club completed approximately 37 service projects throughout the community.

For Staples-Farmer, however, the award is less about personal recognition and more about what it says about the students who nominated her.

"Recognition from students is what teachers live for, dream about and what sustains us through our careers," she said. "We just want to know that we are making a difference and helping students navigate one of the most difficult times in their lives."

As Sophia and Hailey begin the next chapter after graduation, both hope the club's culture of service continues to grow.

"Key Club made me realize that leadership takes a team of people and that not one person is ever above the rest," Sophia said.

Hailey agreed.

"I hope future members of Key Club learn to love service as much as our officer team does," she said. "Key Club helped me understand what it means to help my community. Through this club, I learned how much I loved service and stepping out of my comfort zone to lead.”

Staples-Farmer traveled to Dallas to accept the Key of Honor and address attendees at the Key Club International Convention in mid-July. She said the greatest reward has already come from the students who inspired the recognition in the first place.

“As they enter their post-secondary lives on their own, my dream is that they find ways to impact their campus and outside community no matter where they are,” Staples-Farmer said.

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