Dedication and leadership are two words that describe the senior Key Club president Milagros Ortega. Key Club played such an important role in Ortega’s life as it shaped her into the young woman she is now. She has worked extensively hard over the years so everyone around her understands the importance of being a kind giver to the ones who need it the most.
It was Ortega’s sophomore year when she learned that Key Club helps make the world a better place. “As uninteresting as it sounds, seeing all the donations, blood drives, and volunteering Key Club did to make our community a better place inspired me to be a part of that change, and so I joined,” she describes. When Ortega became part of the Key Club family, she realized how many easy opportunities she was given to be able to give back to the community. She was also able to meet new people who had the same goals and interests as her and gained closer connections with them.
Moving into junior year, Ortega realized that Key Club was extremely important to her and that she had to become more involved in it. She was determined to become a bigger advocate for this club which would then get more people to join. Soon, Ortega became secretary which helped her in becoming the Key Club President her senior year. “In a very short amount of time, I became so involved in the club that I began rising in ranks and eventually got to become president, one of the most fulfilling things I’ve been able to do in a high school club,” she explains.
Once she became president her senior year, Ortega made sure to put all her efforts into this role. Her vision for the club was ultimately to increase the number of donations, blood drives, and council meetings. “I’m very grateful to have such an amazing board that helped me reach this goal,” she says wholeheartedly. With the help of many, Ortega reveals “We were recognized and awarded as the highest increase of blood donations in South Florida as well as most players donated in South Florida.” Ortega being president was an extremely well-deserved role as she was part of progressing the club so much.
After high school, Ortega will be attending the University of Florida where she will continue to be a part of Key Club. “I will continue devoting my time to volunteering and giving back,” she expresses. From Ortega’s experience, the biggest suggestion she can give to future members is “If you put your all into the club and give back to the community, you’ll not only improve where you live and the people around you, but also your own morals and dedication.”
As Ortega went from having not much involvement in the club to being a valuable leader, she has learned that there is always something you should be passionate about because you never know the everlasting connection it can create.
