Members of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten visited Milton Peters College on Wednesday last for an introductory meeting for the establishment of an Interact Club. About 80 students gathered in the teachers’ lounge where President Pierre DeCelles explained briefly what Interact is all about.
Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting.
Each year, Interact clubs complete at least two community service projects, 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
As one of the most significant and fastest-growing programs of Rotary service, with more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries and geographical areas, Interact has become a worldwide phenomenon. Almost 200,000 young people are involved in Interact.
Vocation Committee chairperson Bonita Hart together with other committee members Robert Dubourq, Kenny Idniani and Maria Buncamper-Molanus were on hand to assist with this initial introductory meeting. Director of the HAVO/VWO department Mark Soree coordinated the meeting and will function as the faculty advisor.
St. Maarten has Interact clubs at St. Dominique High, Learning Unlimited and St. Maarten Academy.
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten is appreciative of councilors and teachers Maricia Ellis, N. Richardson and Mark Soree who responded very positively, early September, to the club’s requests to explore the possibilities of getting the MPC students involved in this youth club. “We are looking forward to sponsoring the MPC Interact Club” says president Pierre DeCelles. “We encourage young people to participate and the community at large to support our young people in their efforts to serve.”
