New Interact Club in Lynn

It had been many years since the Rotary Club of Lynn sponsored an Interact Club, even with five high schools in the city; three public, one charter and one private high school. Veteran Lynn Rotarians recall how Lynn English once had an Interact charter but, for whatever reason, the club dissolved.

 

Fortunately, a new day has arrived in the city, thanks in large measure to two longtime and now retired Lynn Public School employees, Club President Ray Bastarache and President Elect, Steve Upton. In the spring of 2016, Bastarache and Upton (a Classical graduate and member of its Hall of Fame), had several meetings with groups of Classical students, with the assistance of guidance counselor Chris Hayward, and determined that genuine interest and enthusiasm was present from among the students. A follow-up meeting with Classical Principal Gene Constantino, who was thrilled at the prospect of a new club focusing on community service would be on campus, he threw his complete support behind it. History teacher Dena Capano, at the urging of Constantino, stepped in to be the Club's faculty moderator and membership continues to grow.

 

Photo caption:  Interact students volunteering to serve meals at My Brother’s Table Soup Kitchen in Lynn