Students giving back through Sturgeon Interact Club

By Shelley Winger
Students at Sturgeon Composite High School are making an impact beyond the classroom
through the school’s Interact Club, a student-led organization focused on community service
and volunteerism.
Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Morinville Sturgeon, the club encourages students to take
on leadership roles while organizing projects that support both local and global causes.
According to promotional information shared by the school when the club launched in
2023, the Interact Club was created to help students “focus on giving back to the
communities of Sturgeon County.”
Interact Clubs operate under Rotary International and are designed for youth ages 12 to 18.
The clubs emphasize community involvement, leadership development and volunteer
service through student-led initiatives.
Earlier this month, members of the Sturgeon Interact Club hosted a Parkinson’s disease
fundraising campaign at Sturgeon Composite High School in support of the Parkinson
Association of Alberta. Held May 22, the event featured a walk-a-thon, field games and a
community “Show N’ Shine” vehicle display aimed at raising both awareness and donations
for Parkinson’s disease support and research initiatives.
Organizers encouraged students and community members to participate in the day’s
activities, with proceeds supporting Parkinson’s awareness efforts in Alberta. Participants
in the walk-a-thon were invited to walk around the school field while collecting donations,
and the event also included a free lunch for those taking part.
The fundraiser reflected the Interact Club’s focus on leadership and community
involvement by giving students the opportunity to organize a large-scale awareness
campaign while supporting a cause that affects many individuals and families. Through
initiatives like the Parkinson’s campaign, students gain experience in teamwork,
volunteerism and event planning while making a positive impact in the broader community.
The club meets during lunch hours at the school and gives students opportunities to
participate in volunteer projects, fundraising campaigns and community events. School

promotional materials also note that participation can help students build leadership
experience and strengthen resumes and post-secondary applications.
As the Interact Club continues to grow, organizers hope more students will become
involved in projects that encourage service, leadership and community connection.