By Laura Howell

Students at Kellam High School recently turned their commitment to service and innovation into a message of hope for the Sentara Brock Cancer Center.

Using the 3D printer gifted to the design lab at Kellam High School, the Kellam Creative Design Club produced more than 150 “Gift of Hope” keychains. The designs were created from templates shared by the original designer, and the club ensured proper attribution was included with every print.

The Kellam Creative Design Club initially planned to partner with the Breast Cancer Awareness Club to create and sell keychains as part of a fundraising and awareness initiative. However, materials arrived too late for the sale to take place. Rather than let the project end there, the club reached out to the Sentara Brock Cancer Center and invited Breast Nurse Navigators Vanessa Rizzie and Clayres Johnson to visit Kellam and celebrate a successful year of promoting breast cancer awareness.

During their visit, members of the Breast Cancer Awareness Club, the Young Women’s Leadership Club and the Student Council Association reflected on the ways they promoted breast cancer awareness throughout the year.

The Kellam Creative Design Club closed the event by presenting and donating the “Gift of Hope” keychains to be shared with patients as part of their contribution and as a gift from Mrs. Leah Nelson, principal, along with the staff and student body.

Students took great pride in knowing their efforts might brighten someone’s day, and they hoped each keychain would remind patients that they are surrounded by care and support.

This initiative highlighted Kellam’s commitment to service learning, community partnership, and using technology for a greater purpose. By merging innovation with empathy, students contributed more than a keychain — they offered a message of hope, strength, and solidarity for those facing breast cancer.

As patients receive the keychains, the message remains clear: No one fights alone.

Laura Howell is an instructional technology specialist and coach at Kellam High School.