Honoring Our Future Servicemembers: Santa Clarita’s First “Our Community Salutes” Ceremony
In May 2025, the Kiwanis Club of Santa Clarita hosted its inaugural Our Community Salutes – Santa Clarita ceremony, a first-of-its-kind local celebration honoring high school seniors who have enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Held at the Golden Valley High School Theater, the event recognized 82 young enlistees from across the region—some traveling more than 100 miles to participate. With more than 300 guests in attendance, the ceremony offered a powerful show of support for the students and their families as they prepare to serve our nation.
The idea behind the project was simple but significant: while many graduating seniors receive recognition for academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievements, there are few opportunities to honor those choosing the path of military service. The Kiwanis Club of Santa Clarita set out to change that.
With help from generous local sponsors and a grant from the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund, the Club was able to underwrite the entire cost of the event, making it free and accessible to all. Guests were treated to a meaningful program that included patriotic tributes, words of encouragement, and a strong sense of community pride. Based on the overwhelming response, plans are already underway to secure a larger venue for next year’s ceremony.
In the words of one organizer, “The comments from attendees and the media coverage were more than we expected. And so many people left asking, ‘What is Kiwanis, and how can I be involved?’”
We at the Cal-Nev-Ha Children’s Fund are honored to have played a small part in making this important project possible. The Santa Clarita Club’s vision and execution are a shining example of how service clubs can address unmet needs in their communities—and how a little funding can go a long way.
If your Kiwanis club has an idea for a new service project that will impact children, youth, or families in your community, we invite you to apply for a grant. Learn more about our grant programs and how we can help you bring your vision to life: cnhfoundation.org/grants