Rockwall High School Interact Club officers, and sponsor, Cheri Whitelock, present a Year in Review.
Rockwall, TX (May 6, 2025) – Last week, the Rockwall Rotary Club saw the Rotary mission of Service Above Self well represented in the youth of Rockwall County.
Rockwall High School’s Interact Club presented their Year in Review. Taking on a variety of local and national projects, these youth plan and participate in at least one project a month. Throughout the year, club members are challenged and inspired to serve others and grow in character.
“You get to see today how great these students are,” says Rotarian, Stacy Massar who has been a consistent presence as she serves as a liaison to the high school club.
With 15,000 clubs across the world – and growing rapidly – the Interact Club at Rockwall High School is no exception! Rockwall High School teacher and Interact Club sponsor, Cheri Whitelock, is excited about the growth of the club. What was once 25 students has now grown to over 100 active students!
But even more exciting is the enthusiasm these youth have for their mission. Each project serves a very real purpose, one that the youth understand and appreciate.
Their year of service kicks off quickly with a full calendar of service projects planned.
Annual events include packaging meals at Feed My Starving Children, volunteering with the North Texas Food Bank, visiting senior living centers, working the Rubber Duck Regatta, and supporting toy drives and angel trees. Three blood drives were held this year that allowed the club to apply for a $500 grant which will help fund additional projects in the coming year.
Holidays for service members do not go unnoticed as club members create cards for troops stationed away from home. They do the same to celebrate birthdays for children in temporary housing. Making and donating pet supply bags allows those with financial challenges to continue providing for four-legged family members.
This year club members also threw themselves into several large, innovative projects. One, managing and working concessions during volleyball and basketball games, takes a lot of coordination and volunteer hours with an important purpose of funding future projects.
The new venture “Rockwall Day” came together for the purpose of sending teams out into the community in a day of service.
Collaborating with student organizations, including Student Council, athletics, and others, Rockwall Day saw over 70 volunteers show up in service despite a cold rain. While they had to cancel the originally planned projects, teams spent time cleaning around Wilkerson-Sanders Stadium, making cards and preparing sunshine bags for senior citizens. While the weather did not cooperate, the club is excitedly planning for next year, hoping to partner with more RISD organizations and serve more community needs.
Promoting the club is an important part in their desire to grow in service to others – and critical to reaching those in need. This year’s Rockwall High School “Meet the Jackets” gathering gave them an opportunity to introduce the club and their mission to fellow Rockwall High School students.
The annual Fish Camp helped open doors to the Freshman class. Working through the location and transportation challenges, the club encouraged first-year participation through virtual meetings and communication.
Looking to the future of the program, the club has raised their goal to complete at least two projects each month. Another is to overcome logistical challenges to include more Freshmen at their campus.
In closing, Cheri Whitelock complimented club members and the commitment of their officers. “Club officers give up much of their time to lead the club” said Whitelock. “They have big dreams and will go far. You will see them again.”
Blue Ribbon News Staff Report, photos by BRN Media.
Rockwall High School Interact Club showcases a year of community service projects added by Melanie M on
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