Service Above Self in Action: Thank You, Lacey Rotary + North Thurston Interact Club
- RTTC
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
At Rebuilding Together Thurston County (RTTC), we’re constantly reminded that strong communities are built by neighbors who show up — consistently, thoughtfully, and with a “How can we help?” spirit. That’s why we’re deeply grateful for the Lacey Rotary and its sponsorship of the North Thurston High School Interact Club.
Interact students don’t just talk about service — they live it. They model Rotary’s mission, vision, and values in real, practical ways, bringing “Service Above Self” to life in classrooms, at community events, and on worksites across Thurston County. This school year alone, the Interact Club will have completed 40 service projects — big and small — a remarkable commitment to community care and leadership.
Empowering teen leaders who serve with purpose
The North Thurston High School Interact Club is a service club for teens, sponsored by the
Lacey Rotary. With guidance and encouragement from Rotary mentors, students step into meaningful volunteer roles throughout the community — gaining responsibility, confidence, and real-world leadership skills along the way.
As RTTC Executive Director Cathy shared, the goal is “to empower the teens to serve their community and develop leadership skills.” And they do exactly that, volunteering with organizations and events like RTTC projects, the Thurston County Food Bank, Duck Dash, Book Drives, and more.
A move that made a big difference (and saved skilled hands for skilled work)
Most recently, the NTHS Interact Club helped RTTC with an important behind-the-scenes project: moving our office from downstairs to upstairs in the church — into a bigger, brighter space on the main floor.
In about two hours, students moved office furniture, equipment, and supplies, then went above and beyond by:
Cleaning the prior office space
Loading old/broken/unwanted items into a utility trailer for disposal
Cathy explained that the timing of this help mattered: with her shoulder still healing and RTTC’s Bonnie recovering from foot surgery, the move wasn’t something they could physically do on their own. And while RTTC volunteers would have stepped in if asked, this is exactly the kind of task that’s perfect for a capable, energetic crew — so our skilled adult volunteers can stay focused on projects like repairing decks, building wheelchair ramps, and completing critical home safety upgrades.
Cathy put it simply: “We really needed and appreciated their help with the move.”
(Also: donuts definitely helped fuel the operation!)
A partnership built on values—and real outcomes
This isn’t the first time Interact students have stepped up alongside RTTC. They’ve contributed to hands-on community improvement in powerful ways, including:
Helping paint a home on Rebuilding Day in May
Completing property clean-up support for RTTC in 2024
And we’re grateful to Rick K. — RTTC board secretary and Lacey Rotary member — for organizing the Interact crew and helping make the day run smoothly.
Thank you for showing what community leadership looks like
To the Lacey Rotary: Thank you for investing in young leaders and creating pathways for service that strengthen our whole community.
To the North Thurston Interact Club: Thank you for showing up with teamwork, responsibility, and kindness — and for proving that “Service Above Self” isn’t just a motto. It’s a way of life.
Your impact extends beyond any single project. It builds momentum, inspires others, and helps ensure Thurston County neighbors can live in homes — and communities — that are safe, healthy, and full of possibility.
Want to partner with RTTC or volunteer on a future project? We’d love to hear from you. Every act of service helps keep the work moving, year-round.
