Rotary Partners with High School Interact Club

 

The Rotary Club of Cedaredge recently welcomed students from the Cedaredge High School Interact Club for an evening of fellowship, introductions, and conversation about opportunities to serve students and families throughout the community.

 

Held at the Lucky Shot Clubhouse, the evening began with a traditional Rotary meeting led by Rotary Club President Mark Condon. Interact students had the opportunity to experience a typical Rotary meeting firsthand, including the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of silence, invocation, and the Rotary Four-Way Test.

 

Members also discussed preparations for Applefest, a major community event where Rotary volunteers will assist with serving, cleanup, line management, ice-cream scooping, and other activities. During Applefest, the Rotary Club of Cedaredge will share photos and updates on its Facebook page, highlighting the event and the many volunteers who help make it possible.

 

Following the regular Rotary meeting, the Cedaredge High School Interact Club officially began its session. Gary Sumner, Rotary's Interact coordinator, welcomed the students and explained that the gathering gave Rotary and Interact members a chance to get to know one another and strengthen their partnership.

 

"Rotary is about caring about other people and serving our community," Sumner told the group. "We want to support these students as they develop into the leaders of tomorrow."

 

Rotary leaders and members introduced during the evening included President Mark Condon, Past President Steve Blackburn, Interact Coordinator Gary Sumner, Nikki Hawks, and John Triebwasser.

 

Interact Club leadership included President Logan Locke and Vice President Cambree Hanson. The Rotary Club also recognized teacher sponsor Brittany Kelleher for her important role in organizing and supporting the Cedaredge High School Interact Club.

 

 

One of the evening's key discussions centered on a proposed Student Store at Cedaredge High School, an initiative developed by Interact students.

 

Cambree Hanson presented the concept, explaining that the store would provide students with clothing they feel comfortable wearing as well as basic toiletries and personal-care items they may need. The goal is to create a welcoming, shopping-style environment using cabinets, baskets, and organizers.

 

Some gently used clothing has already been donated, including a variety of sizes for male and female students. However, the Student Store will need an ongoing supply of clothing and personal-care products to remain stocked.

 

Interact students are exploring several ways to support the project, including:

 

* Community donation boxes

* Partnerships with local organizations and businesses

* Grants

* Community sponsorships

* Donations of gently used clothing and personal-care items

 

The Rotary Club of Cedaredge expressed its support for the Student Store initiative, with the specific form of Rotary assistance still to be determined.

 

 

The evening ended with a lighthearted Interact activity in which students and Rotary members tried to guess one another's ages. The game generated plenty of laughter and provided another opportunity for students and Rotary members to connect outside of formal discussions.

 

The Rotary Club of Cedaredge looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Cedaredge High School Interact Club and working together on projects that support local students and strengthen the wider community.

 

 

Rotary brings together people who believe in the power of **service, friendship, leadership, and community**. Through local service projects, scholarships, youth programs, and international initiatives, Rotary members work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

 

The Rotary Club of Cedaredge is proud to partner with local students and community organizations to help make Delta County a stronger place to live, work, and grow.