2024 Interact Club after monthly road clean-up. Photo Credits: Susan Irving
Sophie Parker, Staff Writer to The Powderhorn
Community involvement is the name of the game for Watauga High School’s Interact Club. Its purpose is to provide service while also promoting integrity and fellowship. The club’s partnership with the App State Rotary Club opens a world of opportunities for club members. Through service projects, students learn the importance of leadership and establishing goodwill. Forming relationships with the people of Watauga County, Interact builds a strong foundation for the youth of Boone to make their community a better place.
“It is such a joy to sponsor the Interact Service Club. I've done it for five years now and it makes me happy to make a difference in our local community here at the school and in Boone,” said Susan Irving, business and marketing teacher at WHS and the club’s advisor. “We connect with Rotaract which is the App State version of Interact, and Boone Sunrise Rotary Club sponsors us. I just love it.”
Throughout the five years that Irving has been involved with Interact, the number of members as well as the number of service projects has grown significantly. Ranging from trunk or treat to the Homecoming dress shop, students have opportunities to try and become involved as many ways as possible.
“So far we've done a lot of volunteer activities. Every month we plan on doing one in-school activity and one out-of-school activity,” said Sienna Davidson, senior and club president. “Last month we partnered with the Watauga Humane Society and gave them Thanksgiving donations to brighten up their day. We also did a road cleanup around Watauga, which was our in-school cleanup.”
As was the case for many clubs at Watauga, Hurricane Helene disrupted Interact’s 2024 year. However, that didn’t stop them from bouncing back and coming together to continue achieving their service goals. The impact the club has on students at Watauga High School was apparent to the entire community.
“I think the hurricane has caused a lot of people trouble and now we don't have as many opportunities to come and meet together,” said Davidson. “But we have the opportunity to help people around us who need the help, and it's been nice seeing our community come together as one to help people who are in need.”
Community is not the only value Interact instills in students; leadership is another secondary skill that perfectly aligns with the club's objectives. Interact ensures that its members gain a multitude of experiences that they may carry into their future, preparing them for life after high school.
“I feel like, personally, this year I've gone through a lot of stress just organizing things, but it's definitely helped me become more of a leader,” said Davidson. “Hannah (former Interact president) definitely helped me last year as vice president. She pushed me into the role of becoming a president and how that will impact my life in becoming a leader, organizing things and being part of this community as a whole.”
All Interact members are given the unique opportunity of going to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Essentially, RYLA is a leadership camp that gives students a chance to uncover their passions and identity.
“It's really awesome. It helps you meet a lot more people, and make connections all throughout the state,” said Frances Davis, sophomore and Interact social media manager. “You finds ways that can give back to different communities or different community service projects that you can start. It's just a really great way to better your education overall through helping people.”
The opportunities are endless when it comes to Interact but ultimately, the club isn’t just about giving back, it’s about moving forward. Students find that the real reward is the connections and changes they create together.
“It's impacted my experience at high school because I've just made so many more friends and it's really helped me help my community,” said Davis. “We can give back so much.”
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