INTERACT BRIGHTENS PATHS TO LEADERSHIP

(November 2, 2007) . . .Last Monday, October 29, the Interact Club of the Indiana County Technology Center held their annual induction ceremony for their new members at the Rustic Lodge in Indiana.

"This is the largest group of new members we've ever had and I believe that each one of the new members has the ability and characteristics to become a great leader," said Ms. Cathy Marsh, ICTC faculty advisor.

Interact is Rotary's student leadership club and is one of the student organizations at Indiana County Technology Center. Through Interact, Rotarians share their knowledge and experience with the next generation, as well as serve as positive role models to members of Interact. Interact is one of the largest growing international organizations, with more than 8,600 clubs in over 117 countries, and with an estimated membership of 220,000 worldwide.

To become an Interact member at ICTC, the perspective member must first express an interest in joining. However, membership is not that easy. All Interactors must pledge to maintain a 3.0 or greater grade point average, as well as maintain good school attendance and a clean disciplinary record. They must also agree to volunteer for at least three of the many club service projects held throughout the school year.

The induction ceremony brings together Interact officers, new members, Rotarians, and parents for a dinner meeting. After the evening’s meal, the Interact members direct the induction program.

The induction ceremony consisted of both pinning and candle-lighting traditions. An important part of the ceremony is to induct the newly-elected Interact Club officers. During the pinning ceremony, the Interact presidents of the 2007-08 school year received their pins with the help of Ms. Cathy Marsh.

The new presidents then assisted with the induction of the new members by presenting members with their Interact pins.

During the candle-lighting portion of the ceremony, the Interact members lit candles to signify the passing of knowledge from Rotarians to Interactors. The solemn ceremony concluded with a reading of the following poem, "As we share the light of our candle to brighten the paths of others, our own paths become so much brighter." Afterward, the new Interact club presidents provided presentations regarding the histories of Rotary and Interact for members and guests.

The Interact club of ICTC, the administration of ICTC, and the Indiana Rotary welcome the new members of the Interact Club for the school year 2007-08 and look forward to sharing many service projects and leadership development opportunities.

ICTC's Interact club is active throughout the school year and details of their many service projects will be announced in future columns.

For more information on the ICTC, click here.

###