When it comes to giving back, few groups shine brighter than the West Valley High School Key Club. Led by advisor Adil Khan, the club is built on the simple, but powerful, idea that small acts of service make a big difference in our world.

Last year, 37 Key Club members took part in 17 different community service events, contributing an impressive 478 hours of volunteer time. Their efforts included local and global projects, with each activity reflecting their commitment to helping others.

“I encourage students to look beyond themselves,” says Mr. Khan, who has taught math in the district for 19 years and has led Key Club since 2011. “Small acts of care, whether for people or for our planet, can make a lasting difference.”

The club’s recycling initiatives have kept hundreds of pounds of waste out of landfills, including 80 pounds of batteries and 19 pounds of used Expo markers. They’ve also donated 124 pairs of eyeglasses through a Kiwanis Club project and refurbished electronics with local recycling partners. Even their shoe drive at Ram Landing collected 34 pairs for those in need. This year, the club is expanding its recycling and sustainability programs, including a new partnership with the FFA plant sale, and continuing its annual Salvation Army coin drive, a beloved tradition that brings students together in the spirit of giving.

Through every project, WVHS Key Club members are learning that service doesn’t just change communities — it shapes character, builds empathy, and inspires leadership. For student officer Esmerai Silva, a junior at WVHS, being part of Key Club has been life-changing. 

“I was drawn to Key Club because it’s solely based on serving the community, which is something I love doing,” Esmeralda shared. “What surprised me most was how easy it was to make connections once we started working together with different groups. The feeling of helping those in need and seeing the effects your help has is one of the best feelings in the world.”

Khan proudly shares, “I love helping students discover the real meaning of service and showing them how leadership, compassion, and teamwork can create change.”

Thank you to our Key Club members and Mr. Kahn for their hard work building this special community of generous student leaders at West Valley High School!