Rhiannon Cizon, Executive Director for the Berrien County Historical Association (BCHA)
Rhiannon has served as Director of the BHCA for the past five years. She informed us that BHCA is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, operating under the direction of the County. Its mission is “to collect and preserve artifacts related to Berrien County history through exhibits, publications, research activities, educational opportunities, and community outreach programs.” It is located in the “History Center at Courthouse Square,” the site of the oldest County Courthouse in Michigan, in Berrien Springs.
The BHCA has been in existence for 58 years. There are eight buildings at Courthouse Square, all of which are open to the public. Since 2019, extensive renovations have been undertaken on the buildings and archives.
What is Kiwanis? We are an eclectic mix of ages, genders, occupations, backgrounds, and interests. We are all passionate about making our community and the world a better place for children so they can thrive.
So proud of these outstanding young leaders!This weekend, 360 Michigan high school members from 32 schools gathered to celebrate a year of service, leadership, and impact through Key Club. Students participated in breakout sessions focused on leadership skills, club organization, hands-on service projects, and fundraising techniques.
Of the clubs sponsored by the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Kiwanis Club, both St. Joseph and Lakeshore were proudly represented by 34 members, along with advisors Katie Woodard (LHS) and Lauri Berry (SJHS). We are so grateful for the ongoing support, direction, and enthusiasm of our Kiwanis partners — and our members truly appreciated seeing the Good Luck ads scrolling across the conference screens!
Student Key Club State Elected Positions – We Are So Proud!
* Sukainah Saleem (St. Joseph freshman)* – Elected 2026–27 Lieutenant Governor for Division 8 * Aminah Garcia (St. Joseph junior)* – Elected 2026–27 Michigan District Bulletin Editor * Riya Veershetty (St. Joseph junior)* – Endorsed to run for International Trustee at ICON
We also want to recognize these outstanding student leaders for their year of district-level service:
* Samaira Suri (Lakeshore junior) – Division 8 Lieutenant Governor * Joe Berry (St. Joseph senior) – District Treasurer * Juhi Bhatt (St. Joseph senior) – District Secretary
Thank you for representing our schools with excellence!
Student Key Club Conference Awards: 1st Place – Partners in Service Award • $200 raised through our UNICEF Trick-or-Treat campaign • $400 raised for The Thirst Project through our Culver’s Give Back Night and bracelet sales Outstanding Executive Board Member Award – Juhi Bhatt 3rd Place – Traditional Scrapbook Early Bird Dues Award – Thanks to Riya Veershetty 2nd Place – Kiwanis Family Relations Award
We could not be more proud of the leadership, service, and heart our students demonstrate every single day. The future is bright! Go Bears! ... See MoreSee Less
This week we heard from club member and Assistant Superintendent of SJ Schools Amy Dirlam. She shared how professional development of teachers is a critical part of SJ Schools strategic plan. On this Valentine’s Day, we want to give heartfelt thanks 💗 to Amy and all of the area administrators, teachers and support staff who put in thousands of hours of work and study, year-round, to help our kids get an outstanding education. 📚🎭🔬💻🎼🧮 ... See MoreSee Less
Our club was happy to hear from Aravind Ale, Co-owner and Chef for @intaliarestaurant opening in March! He made our mouths water describing the flavorful fusion foods from India and Italy that he will prepare. Aravind also shared his big heart for helping children and the community. Be sure to check out Intalia on Glenlord Rd in Stevensville! ... See MoreSee Less
Last Updated: August 26, 2025 by kiwanisjay
Rhiannon Cizon, Executive Director for the Berrien County Historical Association (BCHA)
Rhiannon has served as Director of the BHCA for the past five years. She informed us that BHCA is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, operating under the direction of the County. Its mission is “to collect and preserve artifacts related to Berrien County history through exhibits, publications, research activities, educational opportunities, and community outreach programs.” It is located in the “History Center at Courthouse Square,” the site of the oldest County Courthouse in Michigan, in Berrien Springs.
The BHCA has been in existence for 58 years. There are eight buildings at Courthouse Square, all of which are open to the public. Since 2019, extensive renovations have been undertaken on the buildings and archives.
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Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph Benton Harbor
What is Kiwanis? We are an eclectic mix of ages, genders, occupations, backgrounds, and interests. We are all passionate about making our community and the world a better place for children so they can thrive.
So proud of these outstanding young leaders!This weekend, 360 Michigan high school members from 32 schools gathered to celebrate a year of service, leadership, and impact through Key Club. Students participated in breakout sessions focused on leadership skills, club organization, hands-on service projects, and fundraising techniques.
Of the clubs sponsored by the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Kiwanis Club, both St. Joseph and Lakeshore were proudly represented by 34 members, along with advisors Katie Woodard (LHS) and Lauri Berry (SJHS). We are so grateful for the ongoing support, direction, and enthusiasm of our Kiwanis partners — and our members truly appreciated seeing the Good Luck ads scrolling across the conference screens!
Student Key Club State Elected Positions – We Are So Proud!
* Sukainah Saleem (St. Joseph freshman)* – Elected 2026–27 Lieutenant Governor for Division 8
* Aminah Garcia (St. Joseph junior)* – Elected 2026–27 Michigan District Bulletin Editor
* Riya Veershetty (St. Joseph junior)* – Endorsed to run for International Trustee at ICON
We also want to recognize these outstanding student leaders for their year of district-level service:
* Samaira Suri (Lakeshore junior) – Division 8 Lieutenant Governor
* Joe Berry (St. Joseph senior) – District Treasurer
* Juhi Bhatt (St. Joseph senior) – District Secretary
Thank you for representing our schools with excellence!
Student Key Club Conference Awards:
1st Place – Partners in Service Award
• $200 raised through our UNICEF Trick-or-Treat campaign
• $400 raised for The Thirst Project through our Culver’s Give Back Night and bracelet sales
Outstanding Executive Board Member Award – Juhi Bhatt
3rd Place – Traditional Scrapbook
Early Bird Dues Award – Thanks to Riya Veershetty
2nd Place – Kiwanis Family Relations Award
We could not be more proud of the leadership, service, and heart our students demonstrate every single day. The future is bright! Go Bears! ... See MoreSee Less
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This week we heard from club member and Assistant Superintendent of SJ Schools Amy Dirlam. She shared how professional development of teachers is a critical part of SJ Schools strategic plan.
On this Valentine’s Day, we want to give heartfelt thanks 💗 to Amy and all of the area administrators, teachers and support staff who put in thousands of hours of work and study, year-round, to help our kids get an outstanding education. 📚🎭🔬💻🎼🧮 ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our club was happy to hear from Aravind Ale, Co-owner and Chef for @intaliarestaurant opening in March! He made our mouths water describing the flavorful fusion foods from India and Italy that he will prepare. Aravind also shared his big heart for helping children and the community. Be sure to check out Intalia on Glenlord Rd in Stevensville! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook