Interact Club debuted as a new organization at Legacy this year after being contacted by the Mansfield Rotary Club. With support from the Rotary, members partake in hands-on service projects, form international connections and develop leadership skills.

Counselor Ms. Lisa Fields believes it holds value to the school and its students.

“Angela Julius and I agreed to be the Legacy sponsors for Interact because the two of us believe in the purpose and philosophy that Rotary and Interact represent,” Ms. Fields said. “Who wouldn’t want an internationally recognized club with scholarship and leadership opportunities while also allowing students to focus on service above self?”

During their first meeting, Mansfield Rotary Club members Mr. Anthony Touchon and Mr. Russ Schultz visited with the students. They explained scholarship opportunities and international study abroad programs. The local Rotarians also invited students to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, a leadership development program in which members have the opportunity to learn leadership fundamentals and ethics, communication skills and community and global citizenship. Vice President and sophomore Alexis Luna believes that joining the club has helped her improve her communication skills.

“[The club] has really helped me improve my vocal skills,” Luna said. “I am able to voice my opinions, and I am forced to be responsible and take initiative of things.”

Students are encouraged to join Interact Club if they’re interested in traveling abroad and want to make international connections. The organization hosts Rotary Youth Exchange and World Interact Week to fulfill this. Additionally, the club will plan service projects for the community and beyond.

“We help people in the community, in the country and even in other countries,” Treasurer sophomore Janet Ramirez said. “I joined because I heard of all the opportunities that Interact Club provides.”

Interact Club holds the same philosophy as the Rotary of “service before self” and emphasizes that ideal in every activity they partake in.

“Students who participate in the Legacy Interact Club will be known as students who put service above themselves,” Ms. Fields said. “What a great reputation to have and include on a college application.”   

Members will have the guidance and support of individual sponsor Rotary Clubs. Though students run the club, if help or advice is needed, they will be more than happy to get involved. The Rotary Club has started building the relationship with the Interact members by inviting them to join them anytime with Meals on Wheels, feeding the homeless and helping in the community garden.

“We are really just wanting to try and give back this year,” Ramirez said. “I really just want to help bring unity to the community.”