Members of the Clermont Woman’s Club recently joined the Kiwanis Club of Clermont in celebrating a remarkable milestone—its 100th anniversary of service to the South Lake community.

The centennial celebration honored a century of Kiwanis Club involvement in local projects, youth programs, and community support efforts that have helped shape Clermont and the surrounding area. Members of the Woman’s Club were on hand to recognize the legacy of service and volunteerism that the Kiwanis Club has demonstrated since its founding.

The Clermont Woman’s Club extended congratulations to the Kiwanis Club of Clermont on reaching this historic achievement and thanked its members for 100 years of dedication to improving the lives of South Lake residents.

By Michelle Delaney, South Lake Tablet

If the walls of Clermont’s Arts and Recreation Center could talk, they’d still be buzzing about the celebration.

One hundred years ago, the Kiwanis Club of Clermont marked its charter with a celebration remembered as “the finest event ever held in Clermont”. Fast forward a century—the Kiwanis Club of Clermont once again outdid itself with a spectacular 100th Anniversary Celebration honoring a century of service to the children of the community.  

Nearly 300 Kiwanians, friends, and community supporters filled the beautifully decorated main hall, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts pride, nostalgia, and pure fun. The evening celebrated the club’s past, present, and future—100 years of rolling up sleeves and making a difference where it matters most.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING:

Special remarks were shared by Florida Kiwanis leadership, including Tommy Mills, 2025–2026 Florida Kiwanis Governor, and Jeremy Riehl, Past Governor, recognizing the Clermont club’s extraordinary legacy and continued impact.

The night opened on a patriotic note as Congressman Daniel Webster led the Pledge of Allegiance. From there, Tim Moses kept the energy high as Master of Ceremonies, delivering opening remarks, an invocation, and plenty of entertaining moments that kept the audience smiling throughout the evening.

Adding to the lively celebration, the Corey Marshall Band took the stage with an energetic performance spanning decades of musical genres. Each song brought back memories—and in more than a few cases, tempted guests onto the dance floor.

Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner catered by Premier Catering, followed by a birthday cake and dessert bar that made celebrating 100 years especially sweet.

One of the most meaningful moments of the night came with a look back at the club’s rich history, presented by Dr. Nancy H. Cummings, EdD. Dr. Cummings shared stories that reminded guests just how deeply rooted Kiwanis is in Clermont.

She and her counsin, current president of the Kiwanis Club, Chuck Seaver, both come from 4 generations of Kiwanis leadership—a powerful example of service passed down through the years.

The club’s first president, W.N. McKinney, was remembered, along with early efforts such as supporting the FREE school lunch program, and other activities highlighting Kiwanis’ long-standing commitment to caring for children.

Photographer Derek Sanchez captured the joy, laughter, and memorable moments of the evening—images that will now become part of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont’s history for generations to come.

Chuck Seaver, who has served as club president currently for the past 5 years, summed up the evening perfectly:  “It’s difficult to summarize 100 years’ worth of service and gratitude for community support into one celebration, but our hearts were full tonight as we celebrated yesterday, today, and what’s to come tomorrow.”

The celebration also brought together civic leaders and organizations from across South Lake County, all eager to honor the legacy of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont. 

For 100 years, the Kiwanis Club of Clermont has proven that giving back can be meaningful and fun. As part of Kiwanis International—a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families—the Clermont club continues to lead with heart, creativity, and hands-on action.

After a century of service, one thing is certain: Kiwanis Club of Clermont isn’t slowing down. The cake may be gone, but the mission lives on—and the next 100 years are already off to a great start.

Kiwanis Celebrating 100 years

1 of 17

The Kiwanis Club of Clermont recently extended its heartfelt thanks to the 2025 Light Up Center Lake crew for another outstanding year of service and success. The dedicated volunteers once again helped raise critical funds that directly support local community initiatives, while also adding a festive and welcoming glow to Historic Downtown Clermont. Their hard work and commitment not only strengthened Kiwanis’ mission of service but also enhanced the holiday spirit enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The Kiwanis Club of Clermont recently extended its heartfelt thanks to the 2025 Light Up Center Lake crew for another outstanding year of service and success. The dedicated volunteers once again helped raise critical funds that directly support local community initiatives, while also adding a festive and welcoming glow to Historic Downtown Clermont. Their hard work and commitment not only strengthened Kiwanis’ mission of service but also enhanced the holiday spirit enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. 

The Kiwanis Club of Clermont continues a heartfelt tradition this Memorial Day by honoring those who gave their lives in service to the United States. Since the late 1980s, the organization has recognized local heroes laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Clermont by placing American flags on each gravesite.

In 2018, the program expanded to include first responders, acknowledging their vital role in protecting our community. Today, 547 known gravesites are honored with flags each Memorial Day and Veterans Day. This year, flags will remain in place through May 31.

The Kiwanis Club expressed gratitude to the dedicated Key Club students from South Lake High School and Lake Minneola High School, as well as community volunteers who assisted with the flag placement. The City of Clermont also supported this meaningful project.

Chuck Seaver, a lifelong Clermont resident and current president of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont, shared the origins of the tradition. “It started over 40 years ago when my grandfather, Oakley Seaver, and his sister, Nelle Seaver, began walking the cemetery, placing flags on veterans’ graves. They created the original map that we still use today to locate the veterans’ sites.”

As the number of honored graves grew, Oakley Seaver, a long-time Kiwanian, asked the club to take over the project. Since then, the club has faithfully continued the tradition, placing flags each Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

“I took over the program in 2018,” added Seaver, “and since then, we’ve included first responders, recognizing their vital role in keeping our community safe.”

The sea of flags at Oak Hill Cemetery stands as a solemn and powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served—and a tribute to those who continue to protect our freedom.

Visitors are encouraged to take a peaceful drive through Oak Hill Cemetery to witness this moving tribute.