THE ECHO

by Addy Bean

When did you first join Interact? Did someone recommend the club to you, or did you discover it yourself? 

I first joined Interact during my freshman year. My dad is in the Rotary Club, which is basically Interact for adults, so he really wanted me to join it. Additionally, my AIM mentors were both leaders in the club, which convinced me to join.

When did you get your first leadership role in Interact, and what was it? 

In my sophomore year, I was technically the Captain of Publicity, but I didn’t really do much in that role. I mostly ran the food pantry event, which was basically my first role. 

Did your first leadership role make you more passionate about the club? 

Yes. Running the food pantry allowed me to meet a lot of cool people and taught me why we do this work and what impact we actually make.  

How did you become club president, and what makes you qualified for the job? 

To get a leadership role, you have to go through an interview with the club sponsors. I think that what they saw in me was that I genuinely care about the club, what we do, the impact we make on others, and that I prioritize the club. 

How much time do you dedicate to the endeavors of the club? 

I think over my high school career, I’ve volunteered for maybe 100 hours through Interact. That doesn’t even include the time I spent planning and rehearsing the meetings. So, more than 100 hours.  

What motivates you to continue the club? 

The faces on the people when we help them. Like when we go to the daycare, they get so excited to see us. Just seeing the impact that we can have on other people. 

Do you plan to continue with your acts of service next year? 

Yes. College has a form of Interact for adults called Rotaract and I want to join that.  

Are you strictly dedicated to Interact or are there other clubs that you participate in? 

I play volleyball and tennis. I’m also in the STEM Tutoring Club, Power of Physics, Avon School and Community Ambassador Program, and I’m an AIM mentor.  

Do you have a job outside of school? 

I work at the school. There’s a lifeguarding class you can take, and for study hall you can get paid to lifeguard so that’s a fun little gig. 

What are your hobbies? 

I like to read a lot. I have hundreds of books in my room. My walls are lined with bookshelves. That’s one of my favorite pastimes. 

What TV shows or movies do you watch? 

I really love ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘Gilmore Girls’. 

What are some of your favorite things? 

My favorite subject is math, and I really like jazz. I would have to say that my favorite food is pickles.