In District 5500, Interact is an impactful program within many of our clubs. Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people, mainly high school students. It gives them an opportunity to participate in fun and meaningful service projects. Interact Club is self-supporting and self-governing, thus encouraging the development of leadership skills.

Interact clubs in our district have undertaken impactful projects that showcase their commitment to community service and leadership. Some examples include:

• Environmental Conservation: Organizing tree-planting drives and park cleanups to promote sustainability;
• Supporting Education: Raising funds for scholarships and donating school supplies to underserved schools;
• Health Initiatives: Hosting blood donation drives and creating awareness campaigns for health issues;
• Global Outreach: Partnering with international organizations to support causes like clean water access and education in developing countries.

The Old Pueblo Club sponsors the Flowing Wells Interact Club.  This year they have knocked it out of the park at their pep rally, the senior trivia, and working at the local shelters. They identify their Fab Five feats: sparking school spirit, cracking pop culture quizzes with seniors, stitching love at Spreading Threads, serving meals at Primavera, and packing Tucson care kits like community ninjas!

Next up? They’re lacing up for the MS Walk, dancing through Richardson Fest, and "re-weaving" kindness—don’t "seam" stressed, just join!  

Huge cheers to Interact stars Jeffrey and Celeste—y’all are legends in student service!

I hold RYLA in my heart because it's a Rotary program that can have a lifelong impact on those that participate. I believe our youth need opportunities to establish who they are as well as who they can be. Many of you know I have sponsored 4 of my young family members to our camp! Each comes home afterwards with a new vision of their future and an appreciation for the values of Rotary and especially the Four Way Test. 

A RYLA Story – Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders

When Sarah first stepped into the RYLA camp, she was quiet, unsure, and a little overwhelmed. Surrounded by students from across the district, each with different backgrounds and stories, she wasn’t sure where she fit in.

But by the end of the weekend, everything had changed.

Through team-building activities, leadership workshops, and honest conversations, Sarah discovered her voice. She learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room—it’s about listening, lifting others up, and staying true to your values. She made new friends, gained confidence, and left with a sense of purpose she’d never felt before.

RYLA isn’t just a leadership camp—it’s a transformational experience. It sparks courage, empathy, and lifelong connections. And for students like Sarah, it’s the start of something bigger: believing in themselves, and believing they can make a difference.

This is why Rotary invests in youth leadership. Because the future is bright—and it starts with moments like these.

All club officers for the upcoming Rotary year are invited to attend the District Assembly Trainings. These in-person trainings offer a great opportunity to meet other Rotarians and build confidence as a leader.