On March 20, the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada hosted a luncheon to recognize 22 students selected as “Terrific Kids” from the sixth grade classrooms of La Cañada, Palm Crest and Paradise Canyon elementary schools. The students were chosen by their teachers for demonstrating qualities such as helpfulness, respect and kindness and displaying a positive attitude. A group of over 100, which included the students, parents, guests and Kiwanis members, attended the luncheon. 

Several weeks before the lunch, the students had a surprise visit from Kiwanis Club of La Cañada members and Terrific Kids coordinator Nancy Leininger; Dr. Michael Leininger and Tom Slaughter, who made the announcements, handed out certificates, and invited the kids to bring their parents and guests to the luncheon.

To kick off the celebration, La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Terry Walker, who is also a member of the Kiwanis Club, served as guest speaker, and congratulated the students for all the “great things” they were doing for their classmates and their community.

Leininger added, “Now, more than ever, the qualities of a Terrific Kid can be considered powerful and gifted skills that are building the foundation for success. We congratulate the students and thank their families for nurturing and supporting them … for they are truly our future leaders.”

For over 30 years, the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada has been honoring students through the Terrific Kids program, inspired by the Kiwanis Club worldwide program, whose aim is to further encourage children who are making a difference around them. 

Those interested in joining the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada are encouraged to come to a lunch meeting to get acquainted and enjoy the guest speaker-of-the week program. The goal of the club is to help youth through sponsoring community projects and scholarships. The group meets every Wednesday at 11:50 a.m. at Descanso Gardens in the Van de Kamp Hall.  For more information, visit www.lacanadakiwanis.org and click on “Meetings” to reserve a seat.