Clanton resident Kailyn Hill was elected as one of 18 lieutenant governors for the statewide Kiwanis Key Club.

Hill, 16, represents the largest club division and serves as a liaison for 12 different Alabama schools, including Jemison High School. Her duties will involve club officer training and fundraising.

“Anything the club needs me to do, I’m there to help assist them,” Hill said.

Hill moved to Clanton from Alabaster two years ago. She is home-schooled and will graduate in 2012.

Her mother is Leigh Hill.

Hill prepared for what she thought would be a competitive election but ended up running unopposed. She said she felt good about gaining the acceptance of the state division and looks forward to furthering her community service.

She was pleased when one of her district projects was to work with Children’s Hospital. Hill has had some health problems – including arthritis, fibromyalgia and connective tissue disease.

Along with Kiwanis Club she volunteers with the Chilton County Humane Society. She was also recently appointed by its board to be humane society secretary.

Her love of animals contributes to what should be a perfect marriage between her passion for animals and her new responsibilities with the organization, which will include taking notes at meetings among other things.

“I think some people are just born to be something, and I can remember being 4 years old and realizing that I wanted to be a veterinarian,” Hill said. “Ever since I was a little I’ve always loved animals.”

Hill is the proud owner of a dog, cat, leopard gecko and a pot-bellied pig.

She began volunteering to help animals three years ago when she helped at the Birmingham Zoo camp. She assisted with young campers, ranging between 3 years old and the seventh-graders.

“I just love to volunteer,” Hill said. “I love animals, and I’ve learned all my life to help them. But I wanted to help people as well.”

She will volunteer during the Peach Festival Parade on June 26 at 9 a.m.

She plans to take several classes at Jefferson State Community College this winter to gain college credit.