May Newsletter
May Message
April Event Recap
We helped promote a park clean-up and an egg hunt for the younger kids in the neighborhood. On April 19th, our enthusiastic volunteers teamed up with local organizations to roll up their sleeves, improve the park and its surroundings, and host an egg hunt for the little ones. In total, around 30 volunteers participated, collecting trash and bringing excitement to the children, ultimately making a positive impact on our community.
We also embraced the opportunity to support an event on April 26th with our Rotary club. We crafted "Hoops and Harmony" kits aimed at inspiring young students to explore, collaborate, and think outside the box. Watching our dedicated volunteers jump in with such enthusiasm was truly uplifting—it was clear they were passionate about making learning interactive and fun!
Guadalupe SilvaSan Juan Hills Interact President
At the same time, many of our members were devoted to helping with the wonderful Day of the Child event. It was heartwarming to see smiles on children’s faces throughout face painting. The overlapping of these two meaningful events truly highlights our club’s deep commitment to serving the community in various and impactful ways, even when it means splitting our efforts. We appreciated everyone ’ s dedication and involvement!
April Event Recap
We hosted a book drive and ended up receiving 100 books!
We also volunteered at Pacific Drive Elementary! We did face painting with the kids.
Samantha Saldana - Fullerton Interact President
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!
Mental Health Walks
SOUTH LOS ANGELES WALK: sign-ups here
Date and Time: May 4, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Granada Beach + City of Long Beach
Location: 5100 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90803
Walk Coordinator: Michele Dobson, Esq., longbeachesq@gmail.com
WHITTIER WALK: sign-ups here
Date and Time: May 3, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Central Park
Location: 6532 Friends Ave., Whittier, CA 90601
Walk Coordinator: Monica Peters, hebertdesignwerks@gmail.com
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY WALK: sign-ups here
Date and Time: May 4, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m
Outlets at San Clemente
Location: 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, CA 92672
Walk Coordinator: Kristin Epperson, kristinlagunaniguelrotary@gmail.com
USC Mental Health
Hello everyone! You may be aware of the USC Mind over Matters challenge going around on social media right now. As May Mental Health Walks are fast approaching, we felt that the trend would be a fantastic way to advocate for mental health awareness. Here’s what you can do to get involved!
Wait to be nominated (Canyon Interact will start the chain!)
Interact Boards will be the ones getting ice bucketed
Nominate 3 other Interacts to get ice bucketed Post (not a story, but a POST) the video with a caption detailing the struggles of mental health and what Rotary is doing to support others
RYLA R
Our District’s RYLA was this past April, and we are so pleased with the turnout! Over 200 campers and 100 staff , good memories and constructive experiences rise to the surface for all.
RYLA Recap
Friday - Trailblazers and Facilitators greeting the campers as they bussed in!
RYLA Recap
Saturday - Silver Team posing during one of their Ropes Course activities.
RYLA Recap
Sunday - Campers listening attentively in the amphitheater as Silver Team presents their takes on the “RYLA System”.
RYLA R
I am so incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity and privilege of being a Senior Counselor for Team Coral this year! These past three years at RYLA have been life-changing, and I will always cherish the memories I made with my RYLA family. - Summer Perry, Shell Yeah SC
RYLA Recap
Some of our admin posing for a selfie during the chaos of camp!
A full shot of all of our Trailblazers + Tyler!
RYLA Recap
Sunday
last day of punishments for campers and counselors alike, led by our lovely Juan and Bob
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This month, we are pleased to spotlight Ally Tran. Currently a sophomore, she is serving as Foothill Interact’s photographer. She found out about Interact in freshman year and was drawn by the tight-knit community. Her personal favorite was the Hop Skip Splash 5k event held in fall 2024! She recalls that
“It was a bit early in the morning but it was so much fun to teach kids about water safety with my friends!”. In the future, she hopes to have more people attend the volunteer events and eventually hold a school-wide event (like a drive or bake sale) and donate the profits to a charity/organization!
Spotlight
One of our spotlights for the month of May, is Jacqueline Castillo!
Jacqueline is a junior at San Juan Hills High School. Her position in the SJHHS Interact is the historian, where she takes “pictures of all events and collaborates with social media”. Jacqueline was motivated to join Interact because her brother was also in the club, recalling that she saw “ a great community” and in 8th grade began volunteering in the club’s service events. Some of her favorite projects are the Car Show and Swallow’s Day Pancake Breakfast, where she participated in feeding the Navy and Marines personnel, and overall had a fun time.
Monthly Zoom Meeting
The next one is May 5 at 7:00 PM th
If you wish to attend join the Remind (@d5320)
If you have any questions, you can email Vi at apoorvi3113@gmail.com
Interact District 5320 Council
If you would like to join the council, positions are still open for the Social Media and Newsletter teams. You can email Vi if you have questions!
Nominations for Interact Awards
Rotarians and Interacts can submit nominations
Due June 1 - Scan the QR Code! st
