DAYLAN WILLIAMS

KAY embodies the qualities we hope to see in every student. Through KAY, I first learned the value of teamwork, leadership, and service to something greater than myself. Those lessons have remained with me throughout my life and continue to guide me today as a military officer. My experience in KAY has helped me explain to my junior soldiers what meaningful service truly looks like and why investing in a community matters. More than a values-based service organization, KAY introduces young Kansans to principles that build character, develop leadership, and inspire a lifelong commitment to serving others.

I was fortunate to attend KAY Leadership Camp (KLC) for three consecutive years, in 2016, 2017, and 2018, after my freshman, sophomore, and junior years of high school. KLC was my first extended time away from home, and I arrived feeling nervous, timid, and homesick. The camp staff quickly put me at ease by sharing their own experiences and reminding me that I was not alone. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, connect with others, and grow as a leader. By the end of that first summer, I was honored to receive the Camp Leadership Award for my group, an award I would earn again in the years that followed.

Today, as a graduate of the United States Military Academy (Class of 2024) and an Infantry Platoon Leader, I often reflect on how much I have grown since that first week at KLC. What once felt intimidating became an opportunity that helped shape the person and leader I am today. The guidance, encouragement, and values I gained through KAY led to friendships that continue to this day, including connections I later renewed at West Point. The lessons of teamwork, leadership, and service that KAY instilled in me have become the foundation of my daily work leading soldiers and serving our nation.