NEW MARKET — Southmont High School’s Interact Club hosted its annual end-of-year luncheon Wednesday in the fieldhouse, celebrating a year marked by service, leadership, and community impact.
In attendance were Interact members, Crawfordsville Rotary Club members, and Mayor Todd Barton, who reminded students that change doesn’t have to start far from home.
“The world starts much closer to home,” Barton said in the keynote speech. “It all begins with you. Americans are known for their giving spirit, and the people of Indiana are the best example of that.”
This year, the student-led club raised over $4,000 to support both international and local causes. Co-treasurers Lucas Oppy and Mallory Liffick oversaw fundraising efforts for a growing club tradition: a Christmas party for children in Carrefour-Sanon, Haiti. Through dress-up days, a cake walk, and a hot chocolate stand at the Crawfordsville Christmas Parade, Interact raised $2,000 to fund the holiday event, which included a warm meal and small gifts.
The remaining funds supported Southmont’s own community, including donations for a local family who lost their father in a car accident and the creation of the Mountie Mall, a free goods store for students in need. The initiative, inspired by a similar program at Fountain Central, is currently accepting clothing, hygiene products, and other essentials.
Rotary Club President Tom Klein praised the students’ efforts in the image of the Rotary motto.
“It’s great to see the next generation of people coming up who believe in Service Above Self,” Klein said. “It’s very inspiring, and gives me hope for the next generation to see all these young students that want to do good in the world.”
For graduating Interact co-presidents Tyler Petroski and Vince Reimondo, the luncheon marked a moment of reflection on the club’s growth through the years.
“I think when we first started out, I wasn’t too familiar with the club,” Petroski said. “Each year I saw improvement. [When we switched sponsors] junior year, I think that’s when we really kicked it up.”
“My hope is that we continue the hard work, continue the giving back to the community, and keep doing that Christmas party in Haiti,” Reimondo added.
Interact sponsor Laura Cripe, who stepped in after the previous sponsor left, said the students are the driving force behind the club’s success.
“It’s really a student-led thing,” Cripe said. “I ask the kids what kinds of things they want to support, and they give us a list.”
As seniors prepare to graduate, Cripe said she’s already inspired by the energy and ideas underclassmen are bringing for next year.
“You’re always sad to see them leave,” she said, “but then they give you new kids.”
