By India Newell and Rachelle Ng, Grade 12, Windsor Secondary

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We're always told that students are going to make a difference in our world. As students, this seems daunting, but it can be as easy as joining a school club. At Windsor Secondary, the Interact Club is giving students a space to make a difference not only in their school and community, but across the globe.

Interact is a branch of Rotary International for high school students all over the world. Most clubs are community based, but Windsor has chosen to give students a chance to give back at school. We host fundraisers and events for our community to raise money to donate to charities.

Our main goal is to create tangible change within our school and local community. Interact's events each year aim to bring our student body together through service and create an environment for young people to take initiative. 

Every September, we vote on a local and global charity to direct all the funds we raise towards, which lets our members see how our work can turn into something measurable. We also use KIVA, an online loaning program managed by our treasurer to support underserved communities and entrepreneurs.

With these year-long projects, we hope to encourage Windsor students to advocate for change, their ideas, and others. As an Interacter, you get to leave our community better than you found it.

While the Windsor Interact Club is student-run, we are supported by our teacher sponsor, Antonia Lazarova, and our Rotary Liaison, Shirley Robertson, who make the Club possible. It was Ms. Lazarova who reached out to us in Grade 9 to join Interact. And now, three years later, we're the Interact Club co-presidents co-writing this piece.

Speaking about the club's mission and achievements, Ms. Lazarova shared:

“For more than two decades, the Interact Club at Windsor Secondary School has been a strong example of student leadership, service, and community engagement. Supported by dedicated teacher sponsors and the Rotary Club of Lions Gate of North Vancouver, the club continues to thrive as a student-led organization committed to making a meaningful difference both locally and internationally.

The Windsor Interact Club is made up of an executive team of 18 students and a general membership of over 50 students. Together, members work toward the club's mission: to “interact" with their community through volunteering, fundraising, leadership development, and service opportunities that benefit others.

What sets Windsor's Interact Club apart is its consistent strength, organization, and impact. Each year, the club not only meets its annual goals but also earns the prestigious Club Excellence Award from Rotary. This award recognizes Interact Clubs that align with Rotary International's Action Plan by increasing community impact, expanding reach, strengthening member engagement, and demonstrating adaptability and leadership.

To qualify for the Club Excellence Award, Interact Clubs must be officially certified by Rotary International, endorsed by the district governor, and successfully complete at least 11 of 20 designated goals. Thanks to the dedication of students, this year led by India Newell and Rachelle Ng, Windsor's Interact Club consistently exceeds these expectations."​