Interact Club
What is the Interact Club ?
Well, thanks for asking. The Interact Club of Sarasota Military Academy is the Community Service Club of S M A. We are guided by the principles of Rotary International, being “service above self” and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sarasota Keys. A representative from the Rotary Club is at every meeting as well as “Capt” Steve Panitch, steering the cadets in the right direction.
All community service projects are thought of, decided on and planned by the cadets of S M A. The on campus faculty advisor is “Capt” Steve Panitch who is also a Rotarian in Sarasota.
The cadets meet every Tuesday during lunch (10:20 am to 10:55 am) in room 43 to discuss and plan all their projects. There is no obligation for any cadet and no cost associated to join.
This year has been an incredibly active year already – here are some of the highlights.
September was Support S.I.D.S. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) month and the cadets planned a Talent Show the night of Open House. This talent show raised over $ 900.00 with the proceeds going directly to the S.I.D.S. organization.
October was Breast Cancer Awareness month and the cadets conducted a carwash, sold breast cancer awareness pins and volunteered at the finish line of the 3-day 60 mile breast cancer walk in St. Petersburg, handing out water, cheering on the participates and cleaning up the entire grounds after the event. All told, the Interact Club donated over $ 400.00 to Breast Cancer Awareness in the name of Patricia Collis (CSM Mike’s wife).
November brought Veterans Day and the cadets had a “free bake sale” at
the
S M A BBQ after the parade. The cadets also deemed November as “Pay it
Forward” month and every day during the week of November 13th
thru 17th a new theme was presented to the regiment and all
of the students got involved in “paying it forward”. Doing a good deed
just because . . .
For example, Monday all Interact Club members handed out Inspiration Cards that said, “you are amazing” or “you are great”. Tuesday was high five day and Wednesday the cadets handed out chocolate kisses to everyone. Get the message . . .
In November, we will also participate in the Mayors Feed the Hungry Program by serving a pre-thanksgiving dinner to about 1000 people and handing out thanksgiving food baskets.
To complete this year we will also be volunteering with the Rotary Club of Sarasota Keys to assist them in Ringing the Bells for Salvation Army all through the month of December on St Armands circle – time slots are still available to sign up.
January brings us to our first annual luncheon with a music and drill demonstration to our neighbors on 8th avenue the retirement home – Casa Santa Marta.
Our community service year traditionally concludes with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life held in April. Last year the cadets raised over $ 2000.00 for Cancer research and walked around the SHS track for 18 hours.
Last years major project was producing the first ever S M A cookbook; “Feeding the Regiment”. Yes, we still have a few copies remaining for sale, only $ 15.00 each. Contact “Capt” Panitch if interested.
So as you can see the Interact Club does community service; we raise money, give it away and have fun.
All and any cadets are welcomed to join at any time – just come by room 43 during lunch any and every Tuesday.
Links
Community Service
Opportunities
2007 RFL of Relay For Life of Central Sarasota 2007 - Team Statistics