The new Waunakee High School Rotary Interact Club may just be the next generation of Waunakee Rotarians. In just its first year, the Interact Club already has 24 members. At the Rotary Club meeting Oct. 30, the Interact Club officers – Adrian Lopez, Brynna Virnig, Brayden West and Clara Meier – introduced themselves and talked about forming the club.
Some of the reasons they were interested included Rotary International's involvement in international projects and opportunities for leadership.
The Interact Club has already planned projects, such as the Trick-or-Can event with students seeking canned food to donate to the Waunakee Food Pantry.
A pop tab project will collect tabs from soda cans to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House. The club also had a table at Food for Kidz, where they packaged meals.
Right now, they’re planning a food drive and Bingo night.
And, the Interact Club is raising funds for a well in Kenya through the WASH program.
The club has two advisors, and one of them, Rotarian Tim Decorah, will take club officers to the Dane County Youth Summit where they will learn leadership skills.
Family members in Rotary seemed to motivate the students to form the club, as well.
Adrian, a senior at Waunakee High School, said he learned about Rotary from his mother, who belongs to the Madison East Club. He learned about Rotary’s mission and then about Interact. Brynna’s aunt, Jennifer Tasker, is a Waunakee Rotary Club past president. Brynna, a sophomore, said she was a member of another service club but she felt she would have more leadership opportunities with the Interact Club.
Clara, also a sophomore, said she was part of another club, too, that was less active that the Interact Club.
And Brayden’s mother, Kylie West, is on the Rotary Club’s board of directors. Brayden, a junior, said he was interested in being an officer in the Interact Club.
Asked how the Rotary Club could help the youth club, the officers said by joining in on some of the activities and fundraisers. The two clubs will likely collaborate on the Rotary float for the Dec. 5 Light the Night parade.
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Other News
The Rotary Club inducted two new members, Mark Penfield and Austin Maly. Welcome Mark and Austin!
John Cullen of the membership committee awarded Phil Willems a certificate (not suitable for framing) for his perfect attendance.
Coming Up
The Chamber of Commerce Holiday Open House is Nov. 6.
The Rotary in Lights display will be illuminated Nov. 23.
Jennifer Tasker said 24 of 39 slots for greeters at Rotary in Lights had been filled. Volunteers are needed especially on Saturday nights to direct traffic.
The Rotary Club’s Christmas party is Dec. 2 at Centenario.
Guests: Clara Meier, Brayden West, Brynna Virnig and Adrian Lopez, guests of the club; Danae Marsh, guest of Andrew Hovde.
Greeters: Nov. 6. Tom Kennedy and Dan Statz; Nov. 13, Shauna Hughey and Nancy Thomas; Nov. 20, Dave Rupp and Jean Elvekrog; Nov. 27, Happy Thanksgiving!
To sign up to greet or to find out when you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
