New Interact Club attracts teens to Rotary principles
The Edwardsville Rotary Club installed a new Interact Club at its noon meeting on January 14. About 25 students from Edwardsville High School will become members of the new service club for people ages 14 to 18.
Wendy Smith began the club, affiliated with Rotary International, at the start of the school year.
"I was attracted to Interact because the focus was to help people and make a difference," she said.
She feels the students joined with the same purpose. Some assessed the volunteer value of Rotary because their parents or other family members have been members.
Officers are Jennifer Ferguson, president; Justin Smith and Hannah Malench, co vice-presidents; Jill Thiede, secretary; Abigail Veitch, treasurer, and Avonlea Schoeneberg, historian.
Smith said the organization is very "student-driven." Members attend a monthly meeting and smaller committees meet more often.
For its first project, the Interact Club collected more than 100 winter coats in one week. They also donated a weekend to Partners for Pets and sold snacks during finals week to raise funds for projects.
Smith said club members will evaluate possible spring projects at their January meeting. One would have an international focus, a requirement of the Rotary parent organization.
Smith, a special education specialist, is one of three teachers in the Functional Life Skills Program at the school.
Rotarian John Motley said the Edwardsville club hopes to plan joint events with its teen club beyond the installation.
Wendy Smith began the club, affiliated with Rotary International, at the start of the school year.
"I was attracted to Interact because the focus was to help people and make a difference," she said.
She feels the students joined with the same purpose. Some assessed the volunteer value of Rotary because their parents or other family members have been members.
Officers are Jennifer Ferguson, president; Justin Smith and Hannah Malench, co vice-presidents; Jill Thiede, secretary; Abigail Veitch, treasurer, and Avonlea Schoeneberg, historian.
Smith said the organization is very "student-driven." Members attend a monthly meeting and smaller committees meet more often.
For its first project, the Interact Club collected more than 100 winter coats in one week. They also donated a weekend to Partners for Pets and sold snacks during finals week to raise funds for projects.
Smith said club members will evaluate possible spring projects at their January meeting. One would have an international focus, a requirement of the Rotary parent organization.
Smith, a special education specialist, is one of three teachers in the Functional Life Skills Program at the school.
Rotarian John Motley said the Edwardsville club hopes to plan joint events with its teen club beyond the installation.
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