We often hear the phrase “a heart for service,” but how does a community truly build a culture around it?
For 75 years, the Roswell Rotary Club—a part of Rotary International—has done just that. One of their strongest initiatives is sponsoring Interact Clubs in nearly every public and private school in Roswell, nurturing youth leadership and volunteerism from 4th to 12th grade.
These student-led clubs organize service projects big and small. For example:
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Sweet Apple Elementary made 35 no-sew blankets for neonatal babies.
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Elkins Pointe Middle School installed two international peace poles.
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The Cottage School hosted its first Red Cross blood drive.
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Centennial High School ran a hospitality suite at a track & field meet.
There are no GPA requirements or minimum service hours to join. Still, the impact is impressive: elementary clubs average 6 projects a year, middle schools 12, and high schools over 20. Together, they bring real change to people, animals, and the planet.
Collin Pierce, a Roswell High School senior and Interact President, joined in middle school. His advice: “Help where you can. As long as you’re willing, the world becomes better.” A favorite memory? Jumping off a 15-foot diving board into 40-degree water for the Polar Bear Plunge Challenge—raising money while having fun.
Crabapple Middle has had an Interact Club for over 15 years, led by Rotarian Michael Curling since 2018. “No other program offers middle school students such a powerful platform for service and growth,” he says.
Each club ideally has two adult liaisons (they don’t have to be Rotarians but must be certified volunteers). To get involved, ask your school or contact Rotarian Becky Nelson at bnelson@CCHL.com.
At Roswell North, teacher and Interact liaison Nikki Maples loves seeing young leaders in action. During “Shoetober,” students aimed to collect 5 boxes of gently used sneakers but gathered 12. They learned those shoes help keep kids healthy and able to stay in school, directly improving lives of all people.
Globally, there are almost 15,000 Interact Clubs in 145 countries, connecting over 340,000 young leaders. As Rotary International says: Take action, build international understanding, and make new friends around the world.
Regan Pierce, a Roswell High teacher and Interact sponsor for 10 years, sums it up: “Many students want to volunteer but don’t know how to start. Interact gives them opportunities to help, learn, and become leaders who inspire others.”
Thanks to these efforts, the next generation is ready to step up—through conviction, action, and collaboration. Join us, and watch them go.
To learn more, ask a school administrator or contact
Becky Nelson: bnelson@CCHL.com 404/406-6121
Roswell Rotarian/Interact Chair
www.rotary.org/en/get-involved/interact-clubs