The newly established St. Peters Interact Club, led by President Greg Donoghue and Vice President Harrison Rossiter-Maguire, has marked an impressive start in their inaugural year, showcasing their commitment to community service and teamwork. Guided by the support and dedication of teacher Ms Amy Kelly, the club members presented their year’s achievements during the Rotary luncheon held on Monday, May 12th.
Despite forming recently, the club swiftly demonstrated its determination and passion for meaningful community involvement through a focused and impactful project. Motivated by a deeply personal cause—supporting the Bungoma Outreach Project as one of the Club’s members’ mother is the founder—the students organised innovative and engaging fundraising activities. The Bungoma Outreach Project is a Kenyan project that aims to support young mothers and orphaned children, rebuild the orphanage, young mothers’ facilities, and schools, improve water access, and support local farm initiatives.
Their efforts culminated in two successful events: a vibrant bake sale and an entertaining foot golf tournament. These events resonated deeply within the school community, generating an exceptional total of €702.86. This significant contribution underscores their compassion and highlights the club’s ability to mobilise peers effectively for a cause that touches many families across Ireland.
In addition to their primary project, St. Peters Interact Club also collaborated with their counterparts from the Loreto Interact Club, amplifying their efforts towards Rotary International’s EndPolioNow initiative. This partnership exemplified the spirit of cooperation and solidarity among local youth groups, with both clubs jointly selling crocus corms to raise additional funds. This ongoing campaign continues to raise awareness and support for Rotary’s global polio eradication programme.
During the luncheon, Greg and Harrison confidently presented an insightful reflection on their journey with the Interact Club, highlighting the valuable skills acquired along the way. Harrison remarked on the practical lessons learned, sharing, “There’s also been some learning, though, kind of around the more practical elements, like setting agendas, minutes, all the kind of practical stuff, and even delegation.” These fundamental organisational skills are essential for young leaders and will undoubtedly serve them well beyond their school years.
Reflecting on personal growth, Greg emphasised the importance of developing leadership qualities through their experiences: “The most valuable experience we’ve got from it is finding leadership roles, learning how to take control and go through our own challenges, and learn how to work together as a team and picking up jobs for everyone to do.” His words echo the core values Rotary aims to instil through Interact Clubs worldwide.
Integral to their journey has been the guidance and support from Rotarian Anne-Marie Hollowed-Murray, whose encouragement and mentorship have significantly enriched the students’ experiences. Her involvement highlights Rotary’s commitment to nurturing future generations dedicated to service and leadership.
The enthusiasm, commitment, and impressive results of St. Peters Interact Club promise a bright future filled with meaningful community impact, leadership development, and a continued spirit of collaboration and compassion.
