Giving students real-world experience while helping out their community - that's the goal of the Key Club at Jefferson City High School.
Saturday marked the fourth year the club has put together the Paint the People 5K at Binder Park. The money raised from this event is given to an organization that addresses the needs of the Jefferson City community; United Way of Central Missouri was chosen as this year's recipient.
Shane Williams and Chris Johnson, teachers at the high school and sponsors for Key Club, said the event doesn't happen without hard work by the students.
"You can only do so much in the classroom, so this gives them the feel of what it's like to put events like this together if they weren't in school," Williams said. "They help with setting up, getting the supplies and in getting the word out about the event on social media."
Key Club is an international organization that provides members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership. Williams said the club is an extension of the Jefferson City Kiwanis Club, and he credited that group, along with the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department, with helping the students make this event possible.
"After doing events like this, we hope the kids will want to keep on doing these once they get out of school," Williams said.
Two students who have been in the club since they were sophomores said they plan to do just that. Shaina Anderson and Lauren Rector are both seniors now.
"Yes, it is hard work, but it pays off and you get to see how it affects people," Anderson said.
Rector said they spent months planning for the 5K, getting promotions and sponsorships in place.
"Before you join a group like this, you don't think about what volunteer work does for a community, but having had this experience, I know I want to help my community after high school and even after college," she said.