Rockwall, TX (November 19, 2024) – A group of high school students in Rockwall are leading the way in service and leadership. The Rockwall High School Interact Club, a program sponsored by the Rockwall Rotary Club, brings together students with a passion to serve. These peer leaders are an excellent example to others in their school, neighborhoods, and larger community.
“Being involved with the Interact Club has been my favorite part about being a Rotarian” says Stacy Massar, who serves as the local Rockwall Rotary Club sponsor. “Getting to share my love of volunteering with the next generation has been so rewarding, but truly the best part is seeing how they keep coming up with new ideas to help those in need locally to internationally.”
What is Interact Club?
Led by club officers, Luke Barksdale, Ethan Abraham, Karen Shenouda, Reagan Reazor, Alli Watson, Ethan Galicia, Bella Lopez, Isabelle King and Katelyn Bui, club members focus attention on community service and needs they can help meet. The club takes an active approach, committing many hours to support their causes.
At the beginning of the school year, the Interact Club meets to discuss their purpose and goals for the year. There they begin to develop ideas for service projects that will make a difference in their communities.
“This year, the club has committed to helping an organization based out of Rockwall called Twenty8 | Twenty7” says Cheri Whitelock, RHS Interact Club Sponsor. “Our goal is to raise $1000 in donations by the end of the school year. Additionally, we participate in monthly service events.”
Just this semester, the members are making a difference through service and giving. They recently held a fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse as they work towards meeting their goal for Twenty8 | Twenty7. Other hours were spent volunteering at Rockwall’s Rubber Duck Regatta, performing club projects for Meals on Wheels Senior Services, and participating in a Rockwall Rotary Club blood drive.
Both Rotary and campus sponsors are overwhelmingly excited about the dedication of the club. “Our only problem with the Interact members is trying to manage ALL their ideas because their hearts to serve are huge”, says Massar.
What is RYLA?
One of the many benefits of the program is an invitation for student members of Interact to apply to a special summer leadership program, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). RYLA is a 5-day camp event that brings together exceptional students from area-wide Interact Clubs, community leaders, and inspirational speakers to develop leadership skills in youth.
Three students, Alli Watson, Weston Shell, and Kaylen Pruitt, from Rockwall High School recently shared their RYLA experience at a Rockwall Rotary Club meeting.
Describing RYLA as “an exciting and intense experience”, these camp participants highlight the lessons learned in leadership and communication skills, while building greater connections and new friendships.
From arrival to departure, RYLA participants are challenged and encouraged to develop strengths and overcome weaknesses. Serving on committees offers additional insight into leadership, flexibility, and methods of communication. Analyzing their own personality and communication styles helped them learn not only about themselves but how to adapt to different styles they may work or socialize with. Participating in group exercises gave renewed perspective on growing in confidence and breaking down barriers.
While the camp is filled with educational and development lessons, a variety of activities, challenge courses, talent shows, and, during the 2024 camp, an unplanned dance party in the rain make for fun entertainment and great memories.
At the conclusion of the 5-day camp, each camper leaves empowered with new skills, better communication, and inspired by their experience as they return to their schools to continue their priorities to serve others.
Interested Students?
Interact Club is an international service organization that encourages and supports leadership development in high school students. Interact Club is sponsored by the local Rotary Club whose members serve as mentors to help carry out projects and develop important leadership and life skills. Membership in the Rockwall High School Interact Club is open to students ages 14-18. Students that want to participate in Interact are invited to join all year long.
Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Photos courtesy RHS Interact Club.
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