Stevenson HS Interact Club

Smiles abound and cheerful chatter filled the room as the members of the

Stevenson High School Interact clubs gathered.

Claude Kendrick and I attended the meeting in support of the group, which is just getting started in developing the club.

Yara Hasan, the Co-Chair of the club welcomed us and explained that the meeting was set up to be a fun activity not a meeting to discuss official actions.

Claude Kendrick explained the need to host some fund-raising event in support of their desire to set up projects. One idea they mentioned was setting up a run through the school. Claude encouraged their idea and suggested they look at generating sponsorships for the Fun Run. 

Pipe cleaners and beads were passed among them as they gleefully talked 

with each other while making ornaments. The gathering ended shortly after 3:00 PM, as many of the students had to meet their rides home. Both Nancy and Claude talked in the parking lot afterwards, expressing how impressed they were with the student’s energy and willingness to move forward. Special thanks to Dave Burton, who agreed to sponsor the group, Rev. Dave Stechholz, Wayne Kinney, and Drew Buatti (Livonia Noon Club), who agreed to support the Club's activities and meetings.

-Nancy Darga

Both Nancy Darga and I arrived unexpectedly, each thinking we were attending solo, and we were pleasantly surprised to find one another there to support the club.

As Nancy and I watched the 12–15 students work, we took the opportunity to talk with them about purpose and how service projects and fundraisers can make a real impact in their community.

When we asked whether they had been thinking about their goals for the year, the students shared several thoughtful ideas for service and engagement. We assured them that the Livonia AM Rotary Club is ready to provide support in any way they need.

Nancy introduced herself and explained why she as a polio survivor joined Rotary and asked the students why they did. Many of them explained they were inspired by the Churchill High School Interact Club and they wanted to do service projects like them. Nancy shared her “Big Why”, The personal story of how she became a Rotarian and what Rotary continues to mean in her life. Her message clearly resonated with the students.

I left the meeting encouraged by what I saw: a thriving, enthusiastic Interact Club filled with potential. It also raised an important question? What more can the Livonia AM Rotary do to help make this a club of choice for Stevenson High School students?

Now is the time for us to step in with guidance, structure, and mentorship to help cultivate our future generation of Rotary leaders. The energy is there. The interest is there. With our support, the possibilities are tremendous.

-Claude Kendrick