Trailblazers leading the SHS Key Club

STEUBENVILLE -- In an historic moment at Steubenville High School, the gavel has been passed between two trailblazers who are setting the stage for future generations, school officials noted.

Senior Kayliyah Simmons led the school's Key Club in two firsts within the student organization's history as an African-American female president during the 2022-23 term. Simmons, who is only weeks away from graduating from Big Red, has since been succeeded by junior Jaziah Gray for 2023-24.

The Key Club's nearly 200 members perform community service including fundraising and donating times for charity, cleaning up after football games and bolstering a positive culture within the school. Activities range from March Madness and March of Dimes basketball shoot-out fundraisers to sponsoring themed pink-out dress-up days for breast cancer awareness and PJ days for school spirit. Currently, the organization is participating in a sock drive with other area Key Clubs for charity, and the school group with the most raised will receive a key.

Simmons said she was happy to be named president, and it equally thrilled her father, an SHS alumnus who himself once served as a Key Club member.

"I wanted to be president and come up with the themes. I wanted to be part of it and lead it, and I definitely liked getting more involved," she commented. "I learned to promote myself and about marketing. I like being a leader and holding all of those responsibilities."

She led the organization with Vice President Kasey Crosier, and during her departure speech she noted her gratitude for the opportunity.

"This was such an amazing experience from the second I was elected until now. I will never forget how much of an honor and privilege it was to hold this position, and I am so happy I can be the one to pass the presidency on down to Jaziah."

Simmons has been an active participant in extracurricular activities including the SHS Rotary Club, NIKE Club, National Honor Society, Principal's Advisory Board, Youth Coalition and band. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Kent State University and major in business with future aspirations to work in real estate.

Gray was inspired by Simmons to seek the office and holds plenty of enthusiasm about her new role.

"I began thinking about joining Key Club during my freshman year. I could tell how inclusive the school was with the freshmen and giving them opportunities. I've seen it from the upper level and for myself," she added. "Kaliyah told me to (run for president) and I was kind of nervous. I feel like I've always been a leader and it makes me happy that I won the position and have these opportunities. It feels great. It's only the beginning."

Simmons officially passed the gavel in February, and during her acceptance speech Gray was thankful to work with vice president Maleea Crownover and looked ahead to a great year.

"Maleea and I plan on doing fun activities, fundraisers and more in the fall," she said. "A special thank you to Kayliyah and Kasey for all you have done for this club last year. We all appreciate you both."

Like Simmons, she has been active with roles in Rotary Club, Principal's Advisory Council, band, drama club and the Youth Coalition. Her future hopes are to attend cosmetology school and become an aesthetician.

Both encourage others, especially females, to participate in the club as well.

"Just join," Gray said.

"I attended freshman orientation to encourage incoming students to get involved," Simmons noted. "It's fun and it's better for you in the future by being involved."

Assistant Principal Aaron Newman was pleased with the advancement he's seen in the once male-dominated organization, as well as with the young women who have taken the lead.

"It says a lot about the progress we've made in society. There are opportunities for this generation and (Simmons and Gray) really are an inspiration."

Key Club Adviser Ross Ivkovich echoed those remarks.

"Both Kayliyah and Jaziah are very energetic young ladies. Kayliyah took the position and ran with it throughout the year. She delegated work to the members and succeeded on every project. Jaziah was more than excited to take the presidency on full steam and I know that she too will do a great job. The fact that they both represent Steubenville High School with grace and honor makes me very proud," he commented.

"Key Club was once an all-male club and Kayliyah winning as an African-American female was such a great moment. She just did a great job and made the club better each day. Jaziah has big shoes to fill, and I am confident that she will do us proud."