Interact is more than a club, it’s a society dedicated to helping others. There is no difference between an Interact member and a world helper, because in this club, it isn’t yourself that matters. Students from Fluvanna County High School join Interact club to help as many other people as possible. “I think it is fun, and good to know that you really can help the people,” said Interact member Alicia Baier. The Club gives students of FCHS the chance to make a real difference while having fun.

Interact Club started at FCHS in 2011 with the help of teachers James Koczan, Lori Hoffman, and Marc Engel, and librarian Colleen Williams. The club was made for students to have an opportunity to help people in the county and around the world who need help. “Everyone should try to do the community service. It betters your own character,” said Dominique Smith, this year’s FCHS Interact Club President.

The rest of the newly-elected 2015 board includes Dominique Smith (President), Eva McGehee (Vice-President), Brittney Koczan (Treasurer), Savannah Nelson (Club’s Helper), and Marley McGrath (Secretary).

The board is working hard on several new projects, including “Stop Hunger Now” which is designed to get food and life-saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable people and eventually, end global hunger, which will take place next fall. The club has also done several events at the Charlottesville Ronald McDonald’s House (where they cooked and cleaned) and bought and wrapped presents for three kids in a poor family before Christmas. Interact Club’s members also helped to raise the money for people who have Polio. The money went even further thanks to billionaire Bill Gates, who doubled the money collected by Interact clubs worldwide. “It was really awesome,” said Koczan.

So far for 2015, the club’s activities are in a bit of a lull. “We’ve plateaued right now [but] I would like us to head up again,” said Koczan.

So why join the Interact Club? “I heard it looks good in your college applications, but I stayed because I like to better the lives of people in our community,” said Smith. Junior Alicia Baier agrees. “I think it is a good opportunity to help people who do not have enough,” she said. Students wanting to learn more about the club are invited to come to meetings on Thursdays at 8:20 in Ms. Hoffman’s room, or speak to one of the Interact board members to learn more about this amazing chance to help others.