Have you been curious what our Interact Club at Pioneer High School has been up to lately? Read the article below, written by the Vice President of the Pioneer Interact Club Amelia Catanzaro, to get a glimpse into their extremely successful club that’s setting an example of Rotary’s core value: Service Above Self.

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Pioneer Interact has experienced massive growth as a club in the last few years, impacting the community of Ann Arbor in many positive ways. The group now consists of over 60 active members who participate in many service events around Ann Arbor.

In recent years, Interact has partnered with Epic Races, a company that manages athletic competitions in the greater Ann Arbor area. Interact Members play a pivotal role in the Ann Arbor Marathon, a race put on by Epic Races, by replenishing aid stations with fuel necessary for the marathoners to complete their impressive race and cheering on the runners. This year Pioneer Interact has been involved in over 40 service events such as Michigan Theatre ushering, assisting with GIVE 365 events, helping at the Leslie Science center, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, the Kerrytown Farmers Market, and so much more.

Beyond our greater community, Interact also plays a pivotal role at Pioneer High School. This year the Interact board opened the Interact Café. Every Friday, the club sells donuts and beverages from Washtenaw Dairy, a local spot that is in fact owned by Rotary members. The money raised from the Café is donated to different charities that the club votes on as a whole at the beginning of each semester. Additionally, in the past 2 years, Interact has partnered with the special education department at Pioneer.

This year the club will be involved in the Polar Plunge, an event hosted by the University of Michigan to raise money and awareness for students with special needs. Interact members will plunge into a freezing cold water tank on the 50 yard line at the Big House. The members thoroughly enjoyed their experience last year, and are looking forward to supporting their fellow schoolmates.

Pioneer Interact’s expansive membership and enthusiasm has greatly impacted Ann Arbor, and kept their club’s moto, “Service Above Self” at the heart of all amazing volunteering.

By Amelia Catanzaro, Vice President of Pioneer High School Interact Club

Keep up with Pioneer Interact’s events and projects by visiting their website https://interactpihi.weebly.com and by following them on Instagram @pihi.interact. The club’s other projects and accomplishments can be found on our website here.