On April 3, 2022, the Magnolia High School (MHS) Interact Club provided an update to the members of the Magnolia Rotary Club of the projects they have been working on for the past several years as well as more current projects. Pictured above from left to right are: Kelly McDonald (President of the Magnolia Rotary Club), Mrs. Katherine Cantu (MHS Interact Club Sponsor), Tyler Hanson (MHS Interact Treasurer), Cristina Duke (MHS Interact Vice President). Hannah Chicken (MHS Interact Public Relations Officer), and Hope Moye (Magnolia Rotary Club President Elect).
After being introduced by Kelly McDonald, Mrs. Katherine Cantu told everyone how proud she was of the officers and members of the MHS Interact Club. She stated that every member of the MHS Interact club and especially their officers always step up when asked to do something for their club. Mrs. Cantu also explained who she has set up a system that allows not only the members of the MHS Interact club to suggest possible club projects but also from anyone interested in their community and wanting help from the MHS Interact Club. Mrs. Cantu also explained that the MHS Interact Club is open to anyone and especially for students looking to get involved in their community. Mrs. Cantu also explained that the MHS Interact Club is truly made up of a diverse group of students.
Before going through a slide deck of projects from late 2019 through April 2022, Mrs. Cantu first explained that the MHS Interact Club brings together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of "Service Above Self" which is the motto of Rotary. Members can also find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun. Members can also take action, build international understanding, and make new friends around the world. She further explained that the MHS Interact Club organizes at least two projects every year, one that helps their community and one that promotes international understanding.
Mrs. Cantu then gave several ways to stay connected to the MHS Interact Club:
- Twitter: @MHSInteract6
- Remind: text @3d4chd to 81010
- Instagram: @MHSInteract6
- Email Mrs. Cantu: kcantu@magnoliaisd.org
Mrs. Cantu also listed the MHS Interact Club officers:
- President - Sophia Edelmann
- Vice-President - Cristina Duke
- Secretary - Baylee Salas
- Treasurer - Tyler Hanson
- Public Relations - Hannah Chicken
The following completed projects were then discussed:
- Tyler Hanson spoke about World Polio Day where the MHS Interact Club raised a total of $754.50 towards eradicating Polio (their goal was $600.00) and their campaign was called "Pennies for Polio". With the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matching their funds two for one, that means that they were able to provide $2,293.50 which would pay for 3,000+ vaccines!
- Thrive with Autism which provided information on the following types of resources: Educational, Recreational, & Sensory Friendly Environments. They also gave away a Chromebook.
- Volunteered at the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department's Haunted House.
- Volunteered at the Montgomery County Food Bank.
- Volunteered at the Harbor Hospice of Conroe.
- Volunteered at the Magnolia Parade of Lights.
- Volunteered at the Breakfast with Santa.
- Worked with the NHS Christmas Sock Drive for people in local shelters.
- Donated Christmas Presents to the Montgomery County Women's Shelter.
- Provided two seniors and one junior to Camp RYLA.
- Volunteered at the Abandoned Animal Rescue.
- Volunteered at the Hand Me Up Shop.
- Volunteered for the Special Needs Prom.
- Volunteered for the Special Education Day (SPED)
- Volunteered for the Ellisor Elementary Hoedown
Mrs. Cantu then spoke about the generous donation to the MHS Interact Club of $1,000.00 from Chopin Kiang and his wife Joan to fund projects that the club may not have the money for. A photo of Chopin and his wife Joan was also shown (see below:
Mrs. Cantu then asked Christine Duke and Hannah Chicken to speak about the club's International Project:
- The club raised $626.21 for Heifer International which purchased one cow and one goat to a family in an underdeveloped country.
Kelly McDonald then presented a Rotary "Paul Harris Award" to Mrs Cantu for all she does for the Interact club and our community. Everyone agreed that Mrs. Cantu very much deserved this award!
Mrs. Cantu is holding her Paul Harris Pin & Certificate in the main photo for this story.
