by Julie Speelman

More than 90 students attended the Feb. 10 kick-off meeting of Interact, the youth-based Rotary service club, at Sequim Middle School.  

The age limit for participation in Interact was reduced from 14 to 12 years old last year by the Rotary International Board, which opened the doors for middle school students.  

Sequim High School already has an active Interact group with 20-25 members.

Interact is a student-run service club that provides opportunities to participate in fun, meaningful community, national and international service projects while developing leadership skills and responsible citizenship.  

The name combines the words “international” and “action.”

Steve Boots, an eighth-grade U.S. history teacher, is the advisor for this new group and has been the driving force in getting the student Rotary club into the school.

“The idea is community service,” Boots said to the large group of students. “Get involved and make a difference in somebody’s life. Interact gives you a vehicle and a way to rise to the top.”

Dick Hughes, past president of the Rotary Club of Sequim, was in attendance.

“You come together, see the needs and do something about them.” Hughes said.

Students asked questions about meeting times, whom they could help and what kind of projects they could do.  

“It’s all up to you,” Hughes said. “Anything you want to do to help people.”

Sequim Middle School, 301 W. Hendrickson Road, can be reached at 582-3500.