Partnering to Make Global Impact
East Islip High School's Interact Club continues to make a meaningful difference through its strong and longstanding partnership with the Rotary Club of Islip, engaging students in service projects that benefit both the local and global community.
Interact is a student-led service organization sponsored by Rotary, bringing together high school students to develop leadership skills while embracing the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self." Through mentorship by Rotary members, students take the lead in organizing projects that support their school and community while also promoting international understanding.
"The Interact Club students and our Rotary Club have a long history of collaborating on community projects," Rotary Club of Islip President-Elect Merri Ciano said. "We are extremely proud of our partnership and look forward to continuing to work together in the future."
One of Rotary's signature initiatives is its support of Rotary Gift of Life International, which provides life-saving heart surgeries for children around the world. Interact students play a key role in fundraising through the "Saving a Heart" project. Their efforts will help support Sheyla, a 13-year-old from Honduras, who will travel to the district this April to receive heart surgery.
"The Interact students held fundraisers to aid Rotary, making Sheyla's heart surgery possible," Ciano said. "That is the power these students have."
In addition to global initiatives, Interact members contribute to local service projects, including organizing a winter coat drive that collected more than 50 coats, participating in recycling education and awareness programs, and designing entries for a Long Island-wide recycling contest sponsored by Rotary. Students also can participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), a district program that selects students to attend leadership workshops and team-building experiences.
"The Interact Club is a student-led service organization sponsored by our local Rotary club," adviser Lisa Rapiejko said. "Through this partnership, students gain mentorship and guidance while developing leadership skills and organizing meaningful service projects. My role is to empower members to take initiative and lead their own work. Through these experiences, students develop a strong sense of responsibility, global awareness and a lasting commitment to service."
Students say the experience is both impactful and rewarding.
"Interact Club is a really inspiring club to be a part of," sophomore Annelise Eichler said. "It's empowering to know that we're bettering our community with student-led service projects, and it's fun collaborating with other members on new and creative ideas. It's definitely one of my favorite clubs at the high school."
Looking ahead, Rotary District 7255 will host its first Interact Summit, bringing together students from across the region to build leadership and networking skills while continuing their commitment to service.
Through their work with Rotary, East Islip High School Interact students are not only supporting important causes but also developing the skills and values that will guide them as future leaders.