The weekend of September 19 -20 found the Interact Club of Ronald Reagan High School busy doing what they do best: serving the community. In fact, they were able to both serve the community through service and fundraiser for their favorite charity all at the same time! Under the supervision of Interact Club sponsor Ms. Nelsy Casanova, a group of fifteen Reagan students spent their weekend working at the 2015 Escape to Miami Triathlon. While athletes from around the world flocked to this event with aspirations of taking home a medal, the Interact Club students saw it as an opportunity to volunteer in the nearby community of Miami and support the participants. Students assisted with packet pick up and registration prior to the start of the event. Several students also helped maintain organization at the transition area where athletes staged their bicycles for the second leg of the triathlon. On Sunday, the group also participated in the disassembly and cleanup of the course around the city.
This community service project came with an added bonus: an opportunity to fundraise for the group’s favorite charity, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. According to Casanova, volunteer groups numbering fifteen or more were eligible to receive a donation to the charity of their choice from the event. Having met that requirement, the Interact Club was able to procure a donation of $150 to kick off their fundraising for the Relay for Life! As Casanova put it, “It was really a win-win for everyone! The students were able to help out with a community event and raise money for their Relay for Life team at the same time.” The students enjoyed the experience of watching participants of all ages and nationalities push themselves to finish the Escape from Miami Triathlon, which consisted of a one mile swim from the infamous Escape Island, a 24 mile bike ride, and a 10K run. The annual event drew 3,000 participants and countless spectators and volunteers to Miami. Keeping in line with their motto, “Service above self,” the Interact Club members were thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the community in two ways at once. In fact, the Club plans to participate in more race events as volunteers in the future, as well as planning more fundraising events to support their Relay for Life team.
