Key Club, Wally Duchscher win United Way Community Spirit awards

Last year, more than 60 times, Havre High School Key Club members answered the call from various community members to provide volunteer hours.

Some of the projects were one-time-only efforts, said Lorraine Verploegen, executive director of United Way of Hill County. Others were major undertakings, such as the drive to raise funds for two families with sick children.

The hard work of the students prompted United Way to give Key Club its Community Spirit Award.

The award was also given to Wally Duchscher of the Duchscher Agency in Havre.

Verploegen said that during his 33 years in business, he has participated in many community organizations and has exemplified community service to Havre and the Hi-Line.

Verploegen said when she called Havre School Superintendent Andy Carlson to inform him of the Key Club's Award, he was so excited he called for a student assembly so the entire school could see the award presented.

In presenting the award, Verploegen praised the students and the work they did.

She said she got a close look at the club members in her work with the "Plant a Seed ... Read" program that provides books to young people and encourage youngsters to read.

She asked club members to help organize things for the young people at the breakfast.

Key Clubbers showed up dressed as children's book characters, and laughed, joked and posed for pictures with the young people.

At the assembly, Verploegen called up John Ita, the Havre High government teacher and Key Club advisor.

But Ita said he didn't want to speak for the club, saying students deserved the award.

"I talk enough during the day," he said.

Club members were called up one by one and were cheered by fellow students.

Duchscher started his business is 1980.

Verploegen surprised him with the award at his office.

"He is a strong supporter and involved with FFA, 4-H, United Way, Knights of Columbus, Montana State University-Northern, St. Jude's school, Blaine County Wildlife Museum, Pheasants Forever, local antique car and tractor organizations," she said.

"Wally has past served on the United Way board and feels it is important to be involved and support the local community," she said.

Key Club members who were presented the Student Community Service Award include: President Jessa Pyette, Vice President Boston Swenson, Secretary Hope Proctor and Treasurer Hailee Kilgore.

Members: China Bohn, Lynnea Bosch, Shelby Brough, Matt Curtis, Elijah David, Rachel David, Devinjo Disalvo, Megan Erickson, Mina Everingham, Shannon Herring, Madison Huebsch, Morgan Jappe, Dani Jeffrey, Natalen Kinsella, Nike Kraniotis, Keaton Kaul, Kylee Kaul, Patrick Leeds, Bailey Martin, Hannah Martin, Morgan Mazurkiewicz, Tori Mazurkiewicz, Trenton Parrotte, Hannah Pepprock, Savanna Pierson, Logan Pleninger, Ty Pyette, Brandon Robertson Kianna Robertson, Trey Scofield, Martha Stocker, Rainey Stoner, Naomi Terry, Riley Valdez, Alara Vogel and Claire Worm.