Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston Celebrates Herndon and South Lakes Interact Clubs and Graduating Seniors

The Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston proudly honored the achievements of the Interact Clubs at Herndon High School and South Lakes High School, celebrating a year of youth-led service and leadership.

At Herndon High School, Rotary President Signe Friedrichs highlighted the club’s dedication to ‘Service Above Self.’ This year, Interactors joined events such as Candyland Gift Wrapping, W&OD Trail Clean-ups, Rise Against Hunger, and the Senior-Senior Prom. Their commitment to volunteerism and kindness greatly impacted the school.

Graduating seniors were recognized with blue Interact sashes, symbolizing their dedication to service, leadership, and community impact. Rotary extended heartfelt thanks to Kimberly Belknap, Interact sponsor at Herndon High School, whose steady guidance and support have empowered these students to lead with purpose.

Past President Jane Nash, with Rotarians Tim Dowling and Jeff Fairfield, helped to lead a ceremony at South Lakes High School to celebrate graduating seniors and incoming 2025–2026 officers. The ceremony was marked by a formal gavel passing.

South Lakes Interactors completed several impactful projects this year, including making Breast Cancer Awareness Pins, hosting a Book Drive for Terraset Elementary, honoring school support staff through their Unsung Heroes campaign, and attending the intergenerational Senior–Senior Prom. They also participated in Rotary’s Rise Against Hunger, helping package over 15,000 meals for families worldwide.

Special thanks were given to Tiffany Welborn and Jill Koppel, Interact sponsors, for their dedication, time, and support of these amazing students. Recognition was made for Richard Ramsburg, Youth Services Chair, and the committee for their unwavering support of youth service programs.

Students were encouraged to let Rotary’s Four-Way Test guide them in life—asking if it is the truth, fair to all concerned, builds goodwill and better friendships, and benefits all. Congratulations to all graduating seniors, and special thanks to every member of the Interact Clubs. They inspire us all!