A new club has roared to life at Opihi College in Temuka.
The newly established Leo Club was launched last Wednesday evening.
Leo Clubs are made up of the youngest members of Lions Clubs International, with 30 clubs spread throughout the country.
Temuka Lions Club spokesperson Shona McCutcheon said the induction ceremony was attended by students and their families, members of the local Lions Club, and visiting Lions New Zealand dignitaries.
Mrs McCutcheon said the evening celebrated the start of a new generation of community service and leadership within the Lions family.
She said speakers during the evening highlighted the important role Leo Clubs played in developing confidence, teamwork and service values among young people, while also strengthening connections within the community.
‘‘The new members were encouraged to embrace the Lions motto of service and to make the most of the opportunities that being part of the Leo movement provides.’’
The Opihi College-based group came about after two students, whose parents were Lions members, started the ball rolling.
‘‘The formation of the club has been the result of considerable work and support from school staff, Lions members, parents and the students themselves.
‘‘Their efforts have helped establish what promises to be a vibrant and active club within the school community.’’
She said their future looked bright.
Leo Club members had begun planning projects and activities to support both their school and the wider community.
One project they were keen to work on, in collaboration with the older Lions members, was getting new seating made.
She said being involved in the Leo Club ‘‘looks good on the CV’’, and maybe in later life those young members would consider becoming Lions Club members.
If any young people around the region wanted to start a Leo Club at their school, they were advised to reach out to local Lions Club members, or check the website.
