Students at Nantucket High School recently formed an Interact Club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Nantucket.  Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people between the ages of 14 and 18. Interact Clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary Clubs - who provide support and guidance - however the Interact Clubs are self-governing and self-supporting.

One of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary’s motto of Service above Self, there are more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas. Almost 200,000 young people have become involved with Interact, making it a worldwide phenomenon.
 “I am very pleased that the NHS Interact Club is getting off the ground. As the high school arm of the Rotary family, it is a great way for young people to get involved in their community and learn what Rotary is truly all about.......with the ongoing hope that they will want to stay involved into the future,” said Chuck Gifford, President, Rotary Club of Nantucket.
Paula Leary, Rotary Club of Nantucket President –Elect, presented the Nantucket High School Interact Club with their Rotary International charter, banner, bell and Interact pins at their recent Wednesday meeting.
According to their charter, Interact Clubs must complete at least two community service projects each year, one of which furthers international understanding and goodwill. Through these efforts, Interactors develop a network of friendships with local and overseas clubs and learn the importance of: Developing leadership skills and personal integrity; demonstrating helpfulness and respect for others; understanding the value of individual responsibility and hard work; advancing international understanding and goodwill.
Having held only two meetings, the NHS Interact club has already chosen to support Soles4Souls which deliver 'gently worn' shoes to people in need all over the world; they are also raising funds for a Shelterbox USA -  which delivers immediate relief to victims of disaster. With the recent earthquakes in Haiti, both charities are focusing their efforts on helping to relieve the suffering of over 2,000,000 survivors. The Nantucket interact Club will be working on sending shoes and Shelterboxes to those very people.
“As a Rotarian, I am pleased to see the Interact Club beginning at Nantucket High School.  It supports the effort we have made as a school - to have our students more involved in community service learning.  I look forward to seeing our students make connections in the community through the club and its endeavors,” said John Buckey, NHS Principal and member of the Rotary Club of Nantucket.
Officers and Members of the Nantucket High School Interact Club include Zeb Bennett –President, Codie Perry – Vice President, Carly Jensen – Secretary, Charlotte Tullman – Treasurer,  Lexi Thayer, Ashley Culkins, Troy Huyser, Erin Holmes, Miles Geddes, Breezy Beaumont, Elsie Gaw, Aleksandra Popova, Alaina Paterson, Jule hall, Tucker Haddon, Jay Getman, Stephen Harris, Drew Moore, and Jacob McGuire. NHS teacher Jess Mulson is the advisor to the club.
“As The Nantucket Rotary liaison to The Nantucket High School Interact Club, I am very impressed with the students and their commitment to offering their talents and energy in service to others. There is tremendous need in our world today, both locally and internationally, and I am confident this group will surely help make a difference in people’s lives”, said Kate O’Connor