A Fond Farewell: Miss Tarnowski’s Final Kiwanis Meeting Celebrates 33 Years of Service
Story by Sophie Daly ’25
On Thursday, March 20, 2025, the Brick Memorial Key Club visited its sponsoring Kiwanis Club at Greenbrier for their spring meeting, an opportunity to share updates and strengthen intergenerational bonds.
However, this visit held special significance.
After 33 years of teaching and leading the Key Club, Miss Ann Marie Tarnowski attended her final Kiwanis meeting alongside her last executive board, marking the end of an incredible era. It was a bittersweet moment as Kiwanis and Key Club members reflected on her decades of dedication. Though this marked her official farewell as Key Club advisor, the connections she built will remain strong; so much so that she even jokes, “I’m going to come back just for the snacks!”
Senior Members: Maddy Barrera, Sophie Daly, Christine Prince, Morgan Satter, Sareya Huner, Christiana Poricello, Makenna Ellis
Linda Potenza, a longtime Kiwanis Liaison, has formed a strong friendship with Miss T. Through years of working together on various boards, she has gained invaluable leadership skills that will help sustain and strengthen the collaboration between Key Club and Kiwanis.
To honor this occasion, Kiwanis members organized a heartfelt celebration recognizing both Key Club International’s 100th Anniversary and Miss T’s retirement, complete with decorations and a cake.
For both Miss T and the senior executive members – past and present – the event was filled with gratitude. As members shared their future plans and reflected on the experiences that shaped them, it was evident how much this journey had contributed to their growth.
For me, this moment was especially meaningful. I still remember my first Kiwanis meeting as a freshman, quietly observing from the sidelines. Now, thanks to Miss T’s guidance, I’ve grown in confidence and leadership – standing before the very same group, speaking on behalf of our club. So much of this is due to the opportunities and mentorship Miss T has provided, not only for me but for every senior member who stood up, shared their future plans, and expressed gratitude for all this experience has given them.
Miss Tarnowski’s legacy within Key Club will not be forgotten. While this visit marked the end of an era, it was also a celebration of the lasting impact of her dedication and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life.
