After nearly a decade of community outreach and volunteering, Interact Club has rooted itself as an integral part of campus life.

“It’s something that has been here for so long and it’s been great being a part of that,” said Karen Ticas, club president and senior. “Speaking about upcoming events and getting to better the community is a rewarding job.”

The club is a part of Rotary International, a service organization that seeks to bring humanitarian relief at a global level to local communities. Partnering with the Rotary Club at Calabasas High School, Interact Club has so far beautified the campus during Sparkle Saturday on Nov. 16 and volunteered at festivals.  

The club members intend to continue its traditions by volunteering at the upcoming Thanksgiving Luncheon for Seniors at the Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas and create water purification indicators (WAPIs) to donate to families in Kenya in the spring.

“I’m going to miss giving back to my community,” vice president and senior Keona Paniagua said. “Building hundreds of WAPIs for families in need was not only fun but gratifying to know I was making a difference in people’s lives.”

The club also provides students an opportunity to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), a program that engages students in activities to be able to develop communication skills and leadership responsibilities, all in a safe and welcoming environment. DPMHS students have regularly attended this camp. Last year, Paniagua along with then juniors Alyanna Ahorro, Lucianne Lejarde and Kimberly De Dios partook in the program.

“My greatest accomplishment at Interact was receiving the District Scholarship to attend RYLA,” club treasurer and senior Ahorro said. “It was such an amazing opportunity and I’ve learned skills there that I’ll carry with me throughout my life.”

Members hope that future participants of Interact Club will enjoy and benefit from the club as much as they did and that it stays on campus.

“I hope Interact continues to prosper, and exist as a fun and productive way for students to be active members of their community,” said De Dios, club secretary and a senior.