DEARBORN — For the last few years, Fordson’s Key Club, which continues to be one of the community’s most distinguished student organizations, has been leading the state. 

Consisting of more than 160 students and six board members, the organization frequently conducts volunteer work in the local area. It has won more awards for its services than any other Key Club in Michigan and during Key Club Advisor Zinab Zriek’s more than five year tenure, she has won the “Advisor of the Year” award twice.

Whether volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank, where students help package thousands of canned foods, or visiting nursing homes, where they pass out holiday cards to the elderly, members of the organization are hoping to change the perception of the community just by lending an extra hand.

“When we go to the nursing homes, it really makes them feel great,” Zriek said. “It breaks my heart. Some families leave their loved ones in a nursing home and nobody visits them. When they see us there, their faces light up. It’s a humbling experience.”

Zriek said the organization’s long list of accomplishments continues to grow.

Last year, students were able to raise more than $2,000 in aid that went to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. Another time, they raised the same amount for a local family that was struggling with a disabled child.

“It’s been really positive,” Zriek said. “These children are leading the way and they are actually giving back to the community.”

Key Club is the oldest and largest service program for high school students across the country. Active in hundreds of schools, the organization not only serves its local community, but also teaches students leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions.

Earlier this month, Zriek was at Kiwanis International Headquarters in Indianapolis as part of the “Five Year Strategic Plan” conference for Key Club International. Zriek, a Muslim woman who wears the hijab, she was able to break a mold.

“I was the only one representing Michigan and the many different Key Club districts,” Zriek said. “Many individuals had never encountered an Arab American female that wears the hijab; so before the initial conference and planning began, I gave a mini lesson on my religion and culture and answered many questions that they had.”

The Fordson Key Club is currently trying to raise money to attend a trip to Costa Rica, where they will be conducting service work. Students will be fundraising and trying to reach their goal before spring break when the trip will take place. Community members willing to help the organization can contact Zriek at zriekz@dearbornschools.org or call 313-827-1400.