Last Meeting's Program

October 26, 2026 Meeting
 
Guests: Al Leiby, parent of student Amerlia Leiby; Maria Alvarez, parent of student Mariah Alvarez; Cissy Wendt, relative of student Abe Peterson, Stepahnie Roty, parent of student Lily Roth
 
Student Rotarians: Student Rotarians were presented with Certificates of  Recognition by program coordinator Paul Plangenz and Asst. Principal Tim Corwyn. Students included Mariah Alvarez, Kayden Denys, Nick Holton, Amelia Leiby, Abe Peterson, Lily Roth. Congratulations students! 
 
Paul Harris Fellows: Longtime Moline Rotarian, and Past President, Tom Bracke was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Plus Five Award ( Paul Harris Fellow pin with five sapphires). The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation, and additional contributions are recognized with blue sapphires for each $1000.00. Congratulations to fellow Rotarians Tom Bracke. 
 

MHS Interact Club Leads Student Hunger Drive Efforts

The 2026 Student Hunger Drive at Moline High School was highlighted during a recent presentation by MHS Interact Club members Haley Greenlee, Club President, and Opal Saller, Vice President, along with faculty advisors Lexi Hanske and Rachel Frazier.As the sponsoring organization for the Student Hunger Drive, the MHS Interact Club has maintained an exceptionally busy schedule of service and fundraising activities throughout the fall. Among the club's signature projects was the Empty Bowls event held on October 8, where community members enjoyed ice cream sundaes, took home handcrafted bowls, and contributed both monetary and food donations to support hunger-relief efforts.Students also organized Trick-or-Treating for Cans, distributing flyers throughout neighborhoods before returning to collect food and financial donations for local families in need. The club further expanded its outreach by soliciting donations during Moline High School football games and hosting Moliween, a Halloween carnival for children held on October 29. The family-friendly event featured games, face painting, treats, and activities while encouraging support for the Student Hunger Drive.In addition to these fundraising efforts, Interact Club members are playing a key role in supporting the Maroon Market, a resource center and food pantry that provides essential supplies and assistance to students experiencing need. Through a partnership with River Bend Food Bank, food and donations collected through Student Hunger Drive activities help stock the Maroon Market, which currently serves more than 120 families through weekly or biweekly distributions.

The presentation also gave Rotarians a glimpse of the club's ambitious plans for the spring, with additional service projects and community activities already being developed. According to MHS Interact Club Coordinator Gary Francque, this year's Interact Club has exceeded expectations.

"The membership levels and extraordinary participation of students this school year is phenomenal," said Francque.

Francque noted that the club's accomplishments have surpassed previous efforts during the 13-year history of the Rotary Club's sponsorship of the Moline High School Interact Club. The presentation served as a powerful reminder of the impact young leaders can make when given opportunities to serve. Through creativity, dedication, and a commitment to helping others, the members of the MHS Interact Club continue to embody Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. Congratulations to the outstanding members of the MHS Interact Club for their remarkable efforts and continued service to the Moline community.