PVHS INTERACT HAS THE
SPIRIT OF GIVING
By Leda Pho-Thai, President, Pinole Valley High School Interact
Interact is an international organization that fosters
students’ leadership skills by teaching them to become
responsible human beings, aiding them in international
peace, unity, and understanding.
Interact clubs are largely student-governed, but are
supported and inspired by the RotaryClub, a large,
international service organization run by adults.
The name Interact comes from a combination of the
words “international” and “action.”
We interact with other high schools to promote
communication, social activities, and service above
self. Interactors learn the importance of leadership,
personal integrity, helpfulness, respect for others, and
advancement in international understanding and
goodwill. In the process, members are also able to have
fun and meet new friends.
Interact gives youth an opportunity to give back,
and show they are capable of being leaders of the
community.
The community gives us so many opportunities, and
it’s our turn to show appreciation and say thank you.
Volunteering is a great way to feel good about yourself,
as it is productive and it helps the community.
16 MARKETPLACECONTRACOSTA.COM MARCH 2020
Pinole Valley Interact meets every Monday, where we
discuss future events and how to prepare for them. We
also reflect on past events to learn how to improve for
the future.
Some of our biggest events are charity dinners and
environmental clean ups. Dinners are one of the most
important Interact events because we usually get extra
money to fund our year-long projects. This year, we are
looking into hosting a campus clean-up at our school,
and making care packages to help out the homeless
communities.
Hosting such events allows us to widen our networks
and interact with other members from different
high schools in California. These events also help us
develop better leadership and communication skills.
Each individual has his or her own reason why they
want to give back to the community, so I asked some
of my fellow members why they joined Interact.
What really draws people to want to give back to their
communities?
“After growing up in this community, I realized how much of
a change I can make. I want the younger generation to realize
they are not alone. It is always okay to ask for help. By me
going to events, I am able to interact with other mentors and
make a change, bettering my own community. The youth
Riley