Stephen L. Gandley, of Kiwanis Club of Hackettstown, will receive Key Club International’s Key of Honor this July at its international convention in San Antonio, Texas.

The International Key of Honor is the most prestigious accolade bestowed upon an individual by Key Club International, awarded to those who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to serving the children of the world.

Gandley served as the Kiwanis Club New Jersey Governor from 2001-2002.  His term began three weeks after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and Gandley led the New Jersey Kiwanis District in aiding families who lost a loved one in the attacks, especially young mothers and mothers-to-be.  Under his leadership, Kiwanis and its sponsored youth members in Circle K and Key Club performed home repairs, mowed lawns, babysat, and performed many other charitable works to lessen the burden of those grieving families.  Additionally, Gandley was instrumental in securing almost $400,000 for New Jersey children who lost a parent on 9/11.

Since 2002, Gandley has served as a Zone Administrator for New Jersey Key Club, the high school equivalent of Kiwanis.  During the past 15 years, Gandley has mentored high school students throughout New Jersey, and continues to maintain a close relationship with Key Club alumni, providing support and advice.

Gandley will be only the fourth person from New Jersey Kiwanis to have received this award since 1950.

For more information, please contact the Kiwanis Club of Hackettstown at kiwanisclubofhackettstown@gmail.com