Rotary Club Begins Chapter for Students at Roosevelt

More than 50 students became charter members of the Interact Club of Roosevelt High School on Thursday. Interact Clubs are a part of Rotary International and open to youth ages 12 to 18.

Both students, teachers and Rotarians gathered in the Roosevelt libary to sign the charter creating the new chapter.

Sponsored by the Des Moines A.M. Rotary Club (DMAM Rotary), the Roosevelt Interact club members join a global youth network dedicated to community and international service.  Interact clubs follow the Service Above Self guiding principle of Rotary International. Member organizations are encouraged to complete two major projects per year – one to serve  the local community and one to develop international understanding and goodwill.

The self-governed and self-supported club also provides opportunities for leadership development.

Seniors McKenna Schnack and Emma Shafer will serve as co-presidents. Vice President Elena Hildebrand, Secretary Ksenia Vickery, Treasurer Maddie Lorentzen and community service committee Chair Deidra Ennis round out the board of directors. The group plans to meet twice per month before and after school.

Others present for the signing of the chapter’s charter included Rotary District 6000 Governor Jacque Andrew, DMAM Rotary President Tamara Kenworthy, faculty advisor Lupe Thomason, along with school administrators, Des Moines area Rotarians, and Interact Rotarian Advisor Liz Cox.

The DMAM Rotary chapter celebrated its 22nd anniversary recently and has more than 160 members actively involved in many service projects in the metro Des Moines area.