The holiday season is a great time to focus on the needs of others throughout the area.

With that in mind, one local group of students has made it a point to help others locally whenever they get the chance.

The Grossmont High School Rotary Interact Club, under the direction of advisor Bill Ashman from the La Mesa Rotary Club, has been making an impact in the local community. Their efforts to help other individuals do not go unnoticed either.

“I have had the privilege of working with this group of Grossmont students since 2022,” Ashman commented. “We usually have nearly 30 students who attend our weekly Tuesday lunchtime meetings. These students seek out many ways of helping others. Since October they have participated in community projects almost weekly.”

Given the Rotary goal is “Service Above Self” it is no surprise that many of these students serve others before thinking of themselves.

Among some highlights from this school year for the students was attendance at the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in Liberty Station (top photo), serving Thanksgiving dinner to the needy in conjunction with Legacy Church in La Mesa, going to Journey Church to prepare lunch and snacks for the homeless, delivering gift bags to veterans at Westmont of La Mesa along with individual deliveries, attending the Winter Festival at Northmont Elementary School, assembling bicycles to be delivered to students at a La Mesa-Spring Valley elementary school and more.

For students involved in these efforts, the rewards are many.

“Interact has shaped both the way I view others and myself through opportunities it has provided me with,” Lya Silva remarked. “It has truly been an unforgettable experience and one that has allowed me to give back to the world in every possible way.”

Student Madi Naputi stated, “Interact has given me countless opportunities to meet new people, help others, and learn what it means to be a community. I so grateful for the difference I’ve been able to make so far, and can’t wait to continue helping others.”

Another student who feels being part of this club es a great experience is Makayla Kroening, noting, “Being a part of the Interact Club for the past two years, and being an officer this year, has been nothing but a great experience. I love every event that we go to be a part of and all the people we impact along the way. I have loved watching this club grow and can’t wait to see where it takes us this next year.”

Club President Evin McDowell pointed out, “I am honored to be part of the Interact Club and have the opportunity to meet so many different types of people. I love helping others, and Interact allows me to do just that, while making me a better person.”

Marina Sabri, McDowell, Naputi, Silva, y Kroening serve as club officers.

miditor’s note: Do you have a school in the greater La Mesa area doing good things for others? If so, email: [email protected].