TJ Interact recognized as the best in the District.
Photo courtesy of Danny Showers
On Friday April 30th 2010, Interact Club was recognized with the Ron Prascher Interact award for the best student-run rotary club in the Interact District (5450) division because of their outstanding contributions to TJ and the community.
The Ron Prascher award was presented to them by the annual Rotary District Conference recognizing them as the top club among more than 77 rotary clubs in the Midwest area.
TJ Interact is part of the Denver Technical Center branch of the Interact organization, a world-wide organization. “We beat clubs in Cherry Creek, Evergreen and Colorado Springs; something I was very proud of,” said Daniel Showers, the club advisor.
Since their foundation in 1998, Interact has been contributing to the local, national and international community, always willing to help those who are in need. The main projects that the club is recognized for have been at an international level, assisting victims of natural disasters. “Being part of these projects has helped me change the lives of many. Interact makes me feel confident about helping and making me feel outgoing,” said Thomas Currington, the Vice-President of Interact and the winner of the Rotary Merit Scholarship, which he plans to use to attend the University of Northern Colorado next year.
The Shelterbox project was one of Interact’s most successful, collecting nearly 1700 boxes of food, clothing and medicine, all benefiting the people in Haiti and others in third world countries. The contributions the students made where able to benefit the lives of many of those affected by the earthquakes in Haiti. “The students have worked on a lot of projects. Interact does community projects at many levels, going beyond the requirements that were needed,” said Showers. Every year the students have to work on at least two projects that will develop their leadership skills, teamwork and help them have a grasp of current events happening in their communities and the world in general.
With Daniela Cardona as the Interact Club President and Thomas Currington as the Vice President, the students who are part of this club have two good leaders helping the community. There are 27 active members of the club and, thanks to their hard efforts and motivation, they are now being recognized as the top in their area.
On top of the recognition from the Rotary district, the students in the club are already receiving district scholarships and plaque citations. “These things state that we are the best of the best,” said Showers, who was also recognized because of the great work he has done with the students.
During the presentation of awards, Showers was named the Rotarian of the Year because of his tireless commitment to his students and community. Showers has spent many years mentoring and guiding students to reach their goals. “I was very surprised, emotional and very proud. It was such a big honor,” he said.
“This year has been great. By being part of all of this we are finally setting the name of TJ to be recognized,” said Currington. By following the motto of the club, “Service Above Self”, these students are demonstrating their dedication to their school and activities.
For the first time in TJ history, the Interact Club was honored because of its great contributions to the school and its international projects. The Ron Prascher award is the beginning to many future recognitions for TJ. Students are changing their own lives and, on the way, changing those of people around them.
