DECON 2026 Contests and Awards

Contests are an excellent way for clubs to gain recognition for their service, fundraising, and creativity on both the state and international levels. Individual members can showcase their leadership and dedication as well. With over 20 contests, there’s something for everyone! So, take the leap and enter at least one contest! Not only will you gain valuable experience, but you’ll also make the most of your 2026 DECON experience! You can enter as many contests as you’d like!

To be eligible for any contests, all clubs must complete the Annual Achievement Report Form. This form must be filled out by the Club Secretary (and other officers and advisors) to show your club’s progress.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the contest chairperson at amcfadden@njkeyclub.org!

Scrapbook

The Year-in-Review Scrapbook Contest celebrates the story of each Key Club’s year, highlighting their activities, achievements, and community impact throughout the 2024-2025 service year. This contest honors clubs that creatively document their journey, showcasing their dedication to service, fundraising, collaboration with Kiwanis, and more.

Submitted during DECON 2026!

Impromptu Essay

To take place during DECON 2026!

Registration for this contest will take place during DECON 2026.

Prompt will be released during DECON 2026.

Talent Show

To take place during DECON 2026!

Registration for this contest will take place during DECON 2026.

Winners will be chosen during DECON 2026.

Oratory Contest

To take place during DECON 2026!

Registration for this contest will take place during DECON 2026.

2026 Oratory Topic:

Leadership has the greatest impact when leaders serve and empower other people. As Key Club moves into a new century of service and leadership, we invite you to reflect upon your personal journey. How has your understanding of leadership shifted through the act of empowering others? In what ways has lifting others challenged, changed, or deepened your own sense of
leadership?

Dr. Andrew Batsis Key of Honor Award

The Dr. Andrew Batsis Key of Honor Award is the highest recognition an adult can receive within the New Jersey District of Key Club International. This prestigious accolade celebrates outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional support for Key Club and youth service initiatives in New Jersey.

Due: February 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE!

Outstanding Advisor Awards

The Outstanding Advisor Awards honor exceptional faculty and Kiwanis advisors for their dedication, leadership, and impact in the NJ Key Club during the 2024-2025 term. The winning advisor will be honored at International Convention.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE!

Single Service Awards (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum)

The Single Service Award program shall recognize individual Key Clubs for their single best service project. There are four tiers to this award. The winning submissions are entered for International consideration.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE!

Major Emphasis Award

The Major Emphasis Award recognizes Key Clubs that excel in impactful Major Emphasis projects, evaluated on need, planning, execution, results, Kiwanis partnership, member participation, and overall involvement. The winning submissions are entered for International consideration.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE!

Poster Non‐Digital & Digital

The Poster Contest is designed to showcase the club’s creativity and is given to a club that designs the best poster designed to recruit new members for Key Club which adheres with the criteria set in the Formsite. The winning submissions are entered for International consideration.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE

Club Bulletin/Newsletter

The Newsletter Contest is designed to highlight your club’s creativity in producing a newsletter that showcases your activities and impact. The best newsletter will be judged on design, content, creativity, and overall presentation. Be sure to follow the submission criteria linked.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE

Club Video

The Video Contest is designed to showcase the club’s creativity and is given to a club that designs the best video designed to recruit new members for Key Club which adheres with the criteria set in the Formsite. The winning submissions are entered for International consideration.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE!

Club Website

The Website Contest is designed to showcase the club’s creativity and is given to a club that designs the best website designed to be used by both Key Club members and non members new members for Key Club which adheres with the following criteria linked.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE!

Club T-Shirt or Sweatshirt

Show off your club’s creative talents and design a Key Club T-Shirt/Sweatshirt. The shirt is judged according to artistic representation, general content, uniqueness of presentation, layout, and design.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE!

Social Media

The Club Social Media District Contest recognizes outstanding Key Clubs in promoting their activities through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok. There is no Key Club International Club Social Media Contest.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE!

District Project Award

The Club District Project Service Hours Award shall provide recognition to individual Key Clubs for dedicating time to the district project, Combatting Youth Homelessness.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE!

District Signature Award

Signature projects are annual service projects or fundraisers a club has conducted for the past 3–5 years and is known for in its community or on campus. New or one-time projects should be entered in “Single Service” or “Major Emphasis” contests.

Due: March 6, 2026 at 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE!

K-Family Relations

If your club has an active relationship with (if applicable) Kiwanis, Circle K, Builders Clubs, Aktion Clubs, or K-Kids, then submit your report in this category. Clubs should only submit 1 Kiwanis Family Relations project.