Newsletter
International Project
Hi everyone! This year, we are raising funds to provide preventative medicine to children suffering from schistosomiasis, a disease that previously did not have a pediatric cure. But now, with Rotarian global scientist
Jim Mulry’s aid, a dose has been developed and manufactured, coming out to the low cost of $2 per dose. We are hoping that every Interact can contribute in some way, shape or form. We also have a board of Interactors, led by our very own Laia Owens, current member of our Advisory Council and District Governor Elect for the Interact District ‘25-’26 term, which will be overseeing our District’s efforts. Please start brainstorming fundraiser ideas, and consider collaborating with each other!
March Events Recap
On the day of our annual Swallows Day Parade (3/22/25), we came together to support our local marines, sheriffs, and community members by serving a heartfelt breakfast, all organized by our sponsoring Rotary. This vibrant event allowed us to play a vital role in raising funds for scholarships and programs. We held up signs to promote our cause before the parade began, prepared pancake batter, mixed eggs, and bussed tables to ensure everyone was wellfed and happy. Collaborating with the Rotaract Club from Saddleback College, our group of 15 dedicated volunteers—part of a total of 21—worked tirelessly, resulting in a remarkable demand that had us selling out our supplies. - Guadalupe Silva, San Juan Hills Interact
Interact Talent show to raise money for Global Schisto Project — currently recruiting acts/holding auditions, show 3/27
Silent Auction — members collecting items/services from local businesses, auction 3/24-28 in teacher’s lounge
- Bella Kim, Los Alamitos Interact
Mental Health Walks
Hi all! Our Mental Health Walks are going to be in May, and we just wanted to give a quick shout-out to clubs/areas that have confirmed that they are hosting walks. If you ’ re planning on hosting a walk, please reach out to Vi, and she’ll pass the info along to us! (P.S. consider collaborating with other clubs at your school! For example, No Place for Hate)
Leader: Samantha Saldana, North AG, president of Fullerton Interact, samsam1777@icloud.com
For: Fullerton Interact (please reach out if you’d like to collaborate)
Details: May 3rd (exact time and location TBD, will be in Fullerton)
Leader: Guadalupe Silva, South AG, president of San Juan Hills Interact, guadalupesilva780@gmail.com
For: Entire South Area (please reach out to confirm club’s attendance)
Details: May 4th (exact time TBD, will be @ San Clemente Outlets)
Long Beach HS, Whittier HS, Newport Harbor High + Corona Del Mar HS
Recap of the District Training
We were delighted to report almost a full turnout from everyone who signed up for our District Training! Our Interactors got to listen to presenters Laia Owens; Brianna Carbajal and Holly Kim; and Guadalupe Silva, Auriel Gidwani, and Apoorvi Singh (for slideshows, please contact Apoorvi). Such topics that were discussed included: networking and interviews, how to create a newsletter, and how to maintain interest in one ’ s Interact!
Spotlight
This month we are pleased to spotlight Sofus Kronborg Hinnerup. Sofus is a senior at Lakewood HS and part of the Rotary International Youth Exchange. Sofus decided to go aboard to play football and gain new experiences. He had the opportunity to go to many different countries such as Japan, but was attracted to visiting an English speaking country as he already spoke English. Some memorable experiences Sofus had while being in America were going to football games, visiting San Francisco, and being able to seeing the Hollywood Sign; he recalled it being rather surreal, seeing something that had only ever been known to him on a screen before. One piece of advice that Sofus mentioned to anyone who wants to study abroad is to be exposed to the culture sometime before leaving and take in the new experience.
Spotlight
We are delighted to feature one of our very own Newsletter Interviewers, Holly Kim! Holly has been with our District for almost 2 years, founding her school’s Interact her junior year after attending RYLA her sophomore year. Says Holly of the experience, “It was lifechanging; I genuinely recommend it for anyone still on the fence. I have made such great connections with others and have learned so much about myself and my leadership journey ” . One particular event that Holly enjoyed was volunteering with the Altadena Rotary to help out victims of the LA fires. She recalls “creating encouraging cards and origami to distribute, and helping people apply for gift cards”. As a senior, Holly hopes that she will leave her next president the tools needed to grow Aliso Niguel Interact to a flourishing club that makes notable and compassionate contributions to the community. As her years as the president come to a close, Holly hopes to encourage more individuals to consider staying on with Interact, in particular RYLA, “ one of the greatest experiences [she] has ever had”.
RYLA
Campers and counselors! Welcome back to RYLA 2025: The Magic of RYLA (theme)! Here are some reminders for you as we eagerly await camp:
Dates are: April 6 (eRYLA) and April 11 -13 (in-person) th th th
GroupMe is the main communication platform; please be sure to download it!
Pack in expectation of physical exertion: good walking shoes, hiking-appropriate clothing, NO LEGGINGS, hoodie, flashlight, toiletries, sleeping bag
Please do not bring anything of personal value; we are NOT responsible for any broken or missing items
RYLA
There is a NO TECH rule in camp; you are welcome to bring phones for communication on the bus rides but they will be confiscated at the entrance You are all going to be part of color teams; if you would like to get related merch (cowboy hats, beads, tutus, etc.) PLEASE DO SO! I (and I speak as a returning alumni) promise you, however awkward you may feel, we ’ ve all been there AND there will be others wearing color merch too so don’t feel uncomfortable! If you have ANY CONCERNS, please reach out to your Counselors or Admin! We want to create a safe and fun experience for all of you!!!
Monthly Zoom Meeting
Reminders
The next one is April 7th at 7:00 PM
If you wish to attend join the Remind (@d5320) If you have any questions, you can email Vi at apoorvi3113@gmail.com
Applications for Interact District 5320 Council are still open. Here is the QR code to apply! (Applications are due April 30th)
Mental Health Walk - Our District-wide Mental Health walks will be held in May (3rd or 10th). There will be at least one walk per area, overseen by the local Rotary clubs. If your Interact is interested in participating, please reach out to your Assistant Governor (or contact Vi for assistance).
Scholarships - SENIORS! This is a fantastic time to start asking your local Rotary or high school counselor about Rotary-related scholarships! Make sure to apply ASAP!