Top 5 Key Factors to Successfully Charter an Interact Club
By Raghavan Sadagopan
Chartering a new Interact Club is a rare and meaningful achievement, and the Rotary Club of Innsbrook is thrilled to announce the successful establishment of an Interact Club at Glen Allen High School. Interact, a Rotary-sponsored service club for young leaders aged 12-18, provides incredible opportunities to develop leadership skills, connect with peers, and make a positive impact in their communities. This initiative exemplifies Rotary’s commitment to empowering youth and building future leaders.
On October 11, 2024, we celebrated the installation of the club’s officers, led by Charter President McKinley Sutton. The event was marked by the installation of officers by Raghavan Sadagopan, President of the Rotary Club of Innsbrook, and the presentation of the official charter certificate by Joy Kline, Governor of Rotary District 7600, to school advisor Ms. Rollins. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and teamwork of many individuals, highlighting the key factors that ensure a successful chartering process.
1. School Advisor: A Critical Anchor
Securing a committed school advisor, like Ms. Rollins at Glen Allen High School, proved instrumental in this process. Advisors serve as the essential bridge between the school, students, and Rotary mentors, helping align the club’s activities with school policies and providing day-to-day guidance. Ms. Rollins' leadership ensured the new club had the structure and support it needed to thrive from the start.
2. Student Leadership: Empowering Young Change-Makers
At the heart of the new Interact Club is its dynamic student leadership. The installation of McKinley Sutton as Charter President was a moment of pride for her father, William Sutton, the Rotary club of Innsbrook’s Community Service Chair. McKinley’s prior participation in Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) events has already showcased her potential, positioning her to become a remarkable leader with a bright future as a Rotaractor and Rotarian. Her team’s energy and vision will inspire peers to embrace service and leadership.
3. Partnership between the School, the Rotary Club, and the Rotary District: A Strong Foundation
The success of the Glen Allen Interact Club highlights the importance of collaboration between the school, the Rotary Club of Innsbrook, and Rotary District 7600. The partnership ensured the club had access to the resources, mentorship, and guidance needed to flourish.
Special thanks go to Kevin Fachetti, Vocational Service Chair, whose communication with both students and Ms. Rollins kept the initiative on track. William Sutton worked alongside Kevin, demonstrating the power of teamwork in bringing the vision to life. In addition, insights from Sasha Reynolds, the Rotary District 7600 Interact chair and a member of the Rotary Club of Prince George County proved invaluable in navigating the chartering process. This collaborative effort exemplifies how a shared vision and partnership are essential for a successful Interact Club launch.
4. Parents of the Interact Board: Partners in Progress
Parental involvement plays a vital role in student success, and the parents of McKinley and other board members have been key supporters throughout this journey. Their encouragement and logistical support have ensured students can balance their leadership responsibilities with academic commitments. The involvement of parents strengthens the club’s foundation, ensuring it can grow sustainably in the years to come.
5. Time: Don’t Rush the Process
This initiative, which began under the leadership of past president Susan, demonstrates that successful projects take time and sustained effort. Rotary’s commitment to service goes beyond individual terms of office, fostering continuity and success across leadership transitions. Chartering the Glen Allen High School Interact Club required several months of collaboration, planning, and mentorship. The process began in one Rotary year and was completed in another, proving that patience and persistence are key to achieving long-lasting success.
The chartering of the Glen Allen High School Interact Club is a shining example of Rotary’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. It perfectly aligns with the Rotary Club of Innsbrook’s focus on youth empowerment, a top priority this year. We look forward to seeing McKinley Sutton and her team lead their peers in community service projects and meaningful initiatives throughout the school year.
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of students, parents, advisors, and Rotary mentors. Together, we are empowering future leaders and building stronger communities. Stay tuned for more updates as the Interact Club embarks on its exciting journey!
In picture: McKinley Sutton - President of Glen Allen High School Interact Club
Picture: Raghavan Sadagopan - President, Rotary Club of Innsbrook inducting the Glen Allen High School Interact Club Officers (Right to Left) McKinley Sutton - President | Gianna Coccaro - Vice President | Carter Morgan - Treasurer | Katie Maury - Secretary | Hannah Le - Historian
In Picture: Joy Kline - Governor, Rotary District 7600 | Kevin Fachetti - Club Vocational Service Chair, Rotary Club of Innsbrook | Dave Tindall - Treasurer, Rotary Club of Innsbrook | Beth Jorgensen - Club Communications Chair, Rotary Club of Innsbrook