Caldwell Rotary Club
Interact
Interact is a Rotary sponsored service club for young people between the ages of fourteen and eighteen. The program gives youth the opportunity to participate in fun, meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills and meeting new friends. Interactors learn the importance of:
- Developing leadership skills and personal integrity;
- Demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others; and
- Advancing international understanding and goodwill.
Connie Strange, a member of the Rotary Club of Lenoir and a part-time educator at West Caldwell, started the club in 2004 and became the first Faculty Advisor for the club. Her work was rewarded with twelve scholars joining Interact. Mike Riggs assumed the responsibility for Faculty Advisor for the second half of the school year. April Greene, a senior was President.
One joint project between our Rotary Club and the new Interact Club was manning an aid station during the Bridge-to-Bridge bicycle race. This was followed by a cookout on the Blue Ridge Parkway with the Interactors being our guest. Their spirit never fell on a very cold day! We anticipate a repeat performance of this event with high hopes of a warmer day.
Another project was the Christmas Raffle. Interact members sold approximately 200 tickets and were given $100.00 for their treasury. The Rotary Club of Caldwell County sold over 6,000 tickets and raised a significant amount of money that will be used to fund future projects.
One final combined effort for the year was a Career Day. Interact members selected an occupation they are considering for their future and the Rotary Club matched them up with members or other professionals in the community to "shadow" during a normal working day. This was a hit with the students and mentors alike.
The Rotary Club of Caldwell County is excited about the relationship with West Caldwell High School and the Interact Club. Together, we can attain Rotary International's stated goal of "Service Above Self".