Kiwanis Club of Sylvester

04/06/2026

The Kiwanis Club of Sylvester honors and remembers the life of our friend and fellow servant leader, Jim “Jimbo” Houston.

Jim was more than an educator at Worth County High School — he was a constant source of encouragement, laughter, and guidance to generations of students. As the advisor to the Key Club, he poured his heart into shaping young leaders, instilling in them the values we hold dear: service, leadership, and a commitment to making our community better.

We remember his words shared with us last year — that Key Club members “don’t seek glory for the things we do — we do it because it’s the right thing to do.” That truth reflected the way Jim lived his life every day.

For nearly three decades, Jim built meaningful relationships that went far beyond the classroom. He had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and inspired. Whether he was organizing student events, supporting school activities, or simply sharing a laugh in the hallway, his impact was profound and lasting.

His loss is deeply felt across our community, but his legacy lives on in the countless students he mentored and the lives he touched.

We extend our heartfelt prayers to his family, friends, colleagues, and the students of Worth County High School.

Once a Ram, always a Ram. And for us — once a friend, always a friend.

03/30/2026

🎨✨ Join Us for the Kiwanis Local Art Showcase! 🎨

For over 40 years, the Georgia District of Kiwanis has celebrated the incredible talents of students across the state—and now it’s time to support our local high school artists right here in Sylvester!

We invite our community to come out and view amazing artwork created by talented students in grades 9–12 as they compete in our local showcase. First-place winners from each grade, along with an overall winner, will advance to the District competition.

🗓 Tuesday, March 31
📍 Sylvester Train Depot
🕓 Doors open to the public at 4:00 PM
🏆 Winners announced at 6:00 PM
🎉 Viewing available throughout the evening (event concludes by 8:00 PM)

Stop by, be inspired, and encourage these young artists as they showcase their creativity and hard work. Your support makes a difference!

Let’s come together and celebrate the arts in our community!

12/17/2025

The Kiwanis Club of Sylvester extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Rams on their historic, undefeated State Championship season. Job well done!

Meet your STATE CHAMPIONS!! 🖤💛🐏

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

10/27/2025

Thank you to everyone who helped organize and support the Pets & Pals Parade and Fall Festival.

We had a great time taking part in the Trunk-or-Treat event and enjoyed seeing so many families and creative costumes. It was also a joy to give away a kick scooter to one of our awesome trick-or-treaters.

We appreciate all who made this community event possible!

Best Friends Humane Society in Worth County
Sylvester-Worth County Chamber of Commerce

10/24/2025

We are excited for you, Chris! We’re grateful to have you as part of our Kiwanis family and truly appreciate all that you do to make a difference in our community.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/16/2025

Today we celebrate a special milestone for a very special person — our club secretary, Mrs. Jean Brooks.

Turning 90 is no small feat, and we’re grateful for all the time, care, and dedication you’ve given to the club and our community over the years.

Wishing you a very happy birthday, Mrs. Jean!

10/08/2025

Today, the Kiwanis Club of Sylvester was joined by Laura Shanklin and family. Laura spoke with us about Southern Vines Pumpkin Patch, a "u-pick" pumpkin patch located on one of Georgia’s oldest family-owned farms—Shanklin Farms, established in 1864 in Worth County.

Now in its third season, Southern Vines Pumpkin Patch is open every Friday and Saturday throughout October from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The patch features Orange Bulldog pumpkins, a variety developed by the University of Georgia that can grow in the hot and humid south.

The pumpkin patch offers a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy the outdoors, pick pumpkins, take photos, and make lasting fall memories. A popular offering is the $35 Green Wagon Special, which allows families to fill a green wagon with pumpkins of all shapes and colors for one flat price.

We appreciate Laura for taking the time to share with us about Southern Vines Pumpkin Patch, and we encourage the community to visit this historic local farm. Thank you, Laura!

07/11/2025

This week the Kiwanis Club of Sylvester was happy to be joined by Ms. Felecia Baisden. Ms. Baisden is a mathematics teacher in the Dougherty County School System and currently serves as director of Camp Sylvester. This local camp takes place from June 2nd to July 18th.

The goal of Camp Sylvester is to create a memorable experience for each camper while supporting their growth in reading and math for the upcoming school year. The camp has four certified teachers on staff and supports up to 85 campers, ages 5 to 13.

Reading and math enrichment takes place each morning, in addition to arts and crafts, gym time, and multiple field trips. Campers also receive nutritious meals. In the future, the camp will seek to offer STEM offerings.

We are very fortunate to have such a camp offering these opportunities in our community and we are grateful for individuals such as Ms. Baisden for their service and efforts in support of our children and youth.

04/18/2025

04/18/2025

Congratulations to our very own, Ms. Jean Brooks, on being awarded the Georgia District Kiwanis Foundation's Henry C. Heinz Award. The Henry C. Heinz Award was created in 2002 to honor those individuals who have exhibited outstanding dedication and commitment to helping children.

Ms. Jean, as she is affectionately known, is a pillar of the community and sets the example for others to follow in service to the children of our community. She serves as secretary of our club and participates in all functions for the betterment of our children, including spearheading our signature projects such as our annual book drive for the children every Christmas.

She has been an amazing CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for over 17 years. These volunteers are specially trained and work to help find foster children safe, permanent homes where they can thrive.

In addition, she is a vital part of our assistance to the Called to Care organization that improves children's lives through adoption, foster care, and missions.

When we feed the high school varsity football team during the season to ensure proper nutrition for the players, she is right there on the serving line. She is also very visible during the annual Christmas parade which brings smiles to the faces of the children of Sylvester and surrounding areas.

This is just a small sample of the many ways she brightens the lives of the children of our community. Ms. Jean sets the example and is very deserving of this recognition. Thank you, Ms. Jean, for all you do!

04/02/2025

On March 19th, our club had the great privilege of hosting the Worth County High School Key Club with a luncheon celebrating its 100 year anniversary. For 100 years, our local Key Club students have been servant leaders in their school and community, successfully upholding the Key Club principles of Service, Leadership, and Positive Contributions to our Communities.

Kiwanis Club of Sylvester President Bennie Henderson welcomed everyone and Key Club Advisor, Jim Houston, highlighted the great level of student dedication within the club, the honor it is to be a part of the organization, and ways the club serves the community. He shared that, "Key Club members can always find something to smile about - and also find ways to make others smile. Members don't seek glory for the things we do - we do it because it's the right thing to do." Current Key Club President Halie Jimmerson and member William Crowe also spoke, sharing remarks on what being in the club means to them, along with leading students in the Key Club Pledge.

It was great to have members of the Worth County High School Key Club with us. We are proud of all their accomplishments. This is a great group of students with very bright futures.