Leos
The Saddle River Valley Lions Club sponsors four local school-based Leo Clubs in Bergen County, New Jersey, to foster youth leadership and community service. LEO stands for Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity, serving as the youth division of Lions Clubs International.
Sponsored Leos Clubs
The club coordinates with multiple local school districts to operate these programs:
- Northern Highlands Leo Club: Located at Northern Highlands Regional High School, established in 2012 as the first of the four clubs.
- Mahwah High School Leo Club: Serving high school students in the Mahwah school district.
- Cavallini Middle School Leo Club: Located in Upper Saddle River for middle school students.
- Brookside School Leo Club: Located in Allendale, expanding service opportunities to middle schoolers.
Service Activities & Projects
The Leo members actively collaborate with the Saddle River Valley Lions Club on intergenerational and student-led initiatives, including:
- Local Carnivals: Leos regularly volunteer to assist during the annual Saddle River Valley Lions Club Carnival, such as managing wristband nights.
- Community Drives: Students organize local eyeglass recycling collections and book drives.
- Global Outreach: Partnering with local churches for humanitarian events, such as creating shoe uppers for children in Uganda.
- Charity Support: Participating in regional fundraisers like Relay for Life and building homes with Habitat for Humanity.
Recognition & Leadership
The parent club actively mentors these students under its dedicated Leo Committee. Exceptional youth leadership is recognized annually through local “Leo of the Year” honors and student service awards.