Srstka named Kiwanian of the Year

COUER d'ALENE - When Kelsey Srstka and her husband, Josh, moved to Coeur d'Alene from South Dakota over a year ago, they didn't know too many people.

That all changed after Kelsey, 26, joined the Idaho Panhandle Kiwanis, a local philanthropic organization. Before long she was connecting with the community, forging new friendships and making a positive impact.

"I think she's just one of those members you really like to have," said Sarah McCracken, former president of the Idaho Panhandle Kiwanis.

Impressed by her dedication and hard work, McCracken named Srstka the 2010 Kiwanian of the Year last Wednesday.

"I didn't really expect it," Srstka said. "I guess I was shocked - pleasantly surprised. It's just an honor to serve with such a great group of people."

The award was well-deserved as Srstka joined the club and immediately "jumped in with both feet," McCracken recalled. She became the chair of the Youth Services Committee, a group dedicated to local children. She's an adviser for the Key Club at Coeur d'Alene High School. Working with her fellow Kiwanians, she helped put together a satellite club called "Kiwanis Next," which will meet once a month.

"We're just kind of getting it off the ground," Srstka said of the fledgling group.

Though not an official Kiwanis member, Josh also lends a helping hand with club projects.

"From the get-go, when (the couple) came to Coeur d'Alene, they wanted to be involved in the community," McCracken said. "(Kelsey) has a really positive attitude, and she's definitely good at following up. She's kind of a role model in that sense."

Srstka is part of many Kiwanis activities. Her involvement with the Cd'A High School Key Club is twofold: First, as chair of the Youth Services Committee, she often works with the Key Club - a Kiwanis-sponsored student organization - on community projects. Second, she offers counsel as a club adviser.

The Key Club is also youth-focused; for instance, Srstka helped oversee "Camp Read-a-Lot," where Key Club students read to youngsters around a campfire.

Even though she's a busy woman, Srstka enjoys her many activities. Last year, her committee sponsored a Christmas benefit, set up donations to buy uniforms for students at Lakes Middle School, and put together a school-supplies drive for local elementary schools.

Wearing many hats, organizing and administrating, she's always involved in some way.

"We're really hands-on, service-oriented," Srstka said. "We really get out there and do things. We always come together with new ideas of how to do something."

Her gung-ho, enthusiastic approach made Srstka an ideal candidate for the Kiwanian of the Year award.

"That kind of effort goes real far," McCracken said. "I definitely do think she stood out."

The Idaho Panhandle Kiwanis is always looking for new members, she added. The club meets at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Lake City Senior Center.