Last week, while thoughts of warmer spring weather, spring flowers and school vacations were dancing in everyone’s head, Milford Rotarians, Milford High School Principal Carolyn Banach and Guidance Director Matt Baione were busy discussing plans during a Rotary meeting to form a Rotary Interact Club at the high school next fall. The efforts are underway, because a number of students have expressed an interest in becoming part of the grass roots effort to launch the high school’s first Interact Club. Rotary has a had a long-standing relationship with Milford High School through its annual scholarship program for seniors and the Rotary Youth Leadership Program (RYLA) offered annually to sophomores. An Interact Club would be an extension of Rotary’s partnership with Milford High.
Interact is a Rotary Club-sponsored organization of young people, ages 12-18 ,whose passion for community service aligns them with the ideals of Rotary International. An Interact Club would allow students to join together to tackle service projects in their community or school while working with an International Organization dedicated to “Service Above Self”. Interact also helps students to make state and international connections, develop leadership skills, and to have fun.
An Interact Club usually meets twice a month and carries out two service projects a year: one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding.
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Service projects are an effective way for students to take action at home and abroad, connect with other young leaders, and get members excited about their Club.
The Milford Rotary Club would be the local sponsor and would provide support and guidance as well as a Club Adviser. The high school would provide a faculty adviser to serve as a liaison between the Milford Rotary Club and the school administration.
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While many details need to be worked out, plans call for the club to be formed over the summer and in full swing when students return in the fall.
Rotarians Mike Kaplan, Jane Schroeder, Josh Lioce and Al Holman are leading the Club’s vision and are working with Milford High School Principal Carolyn Banach and Guidance Direction Matt Baione to discuss issues and logistics.
Any Milford High School student interested in joining the grassroots effort to form a Rotary Interact Club should contact any Rotarian or Mr. Baione at the Guidance Department.
