Interact Clubs Get Rolling in 2024

| November 17, 2024 | Rotaract/Interact, Club News, Service Projects

by Ed Wier, Interact Committee Chair

Intereact students standing in the rain with cups in their hands.
It was wet on the morning of October 13, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of these Interactors.

It was a wet morning, but spirits remained high among the Interact students (and Rotarians) manning the Ann Arbor Marathon Rotary aid station on Sunday, October 13. Students from from Pioneer High School Interact, Huron High School Interact, and Skyline High School Interact (sponsored by Ann Arbor Rotary North) were all represented, making it a great start to the new school year.

The Interact Clubs are really just getting going for this school year, and they are in the process of recruiting new members. Membership varies quite a bit, with 20 – 30 members at Pioneer High School and 8-10 members at Huron High. Huron Interact is in re-build mode post-Covid, and after the retirement of long time faculty advisor Lauren Warren, but we are making good progress this year.

The Interact clubs participate in a variety of service events. For example, the clubs always assist with our Rotary / Food Gatherers food drive in the spring. To raise funds, they hold bake sales, do holiday gift wrapping, Holiday decorating at the Farmers Market. In years past, they have also volunteered at local non-profits such as the Hands On Museum, Leslie Science Center, Ronald McDonald House, and Neutral Zone.This year, in addition to the Ann Arbor Marathon, they participated in the Send Hunger Packing event on Saturday, November 16.

In addition to myself, MJ Raab and Arthur Williams also serve on the Interact Committee. The committee not only advises the Interact clubs on service projects, but also recruits students to attend the annual District 6380 RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) student leadership conference, sponsored by Rotary District 6380. We generally meet monthly or connect via email to keep informed on Interact activities and to provide assistance as needed.

Working with these young people is very gratifying. We are introducing students to Rotary and all the good work that Rotary does in our community and around the world. Helping young people come to know the joy of service never gets old – even if we do. If you’re interested in making a difference in the lives of Ann Arbor high schoolers, please contact me or MJ Raab for more information.