What began as the closing of the Stoughton Kiwanis Key Club has quickly grown into something even more impactful - a thriving Rotary Interact Club with more than 80 Stoughton High School members.
Students have already launched numerous service projects throughout the community and are making a meaningful difference. Read on to learn how a simple question of “What can we do for you?” sparked a powerful new partnership for service.
The transition from the Stoughton Kiwanis Key Club to a Rotary Club of Stoughton Interact Club with over 80 Stoughton High School members is a testament to the dedication of the students and leadership like teacher and Club coordinator, Ms. Katy Mullen. It is inspiring to see a simple question like "What can we do for you?" transformed into such a robust partnership for the Stoughton community.
The Kiwanis Club in Stoughton realized that its ability to persevere was limited and decided to close. Its leadership recommended that Katy Mullen, the Key Club advisor at the High School, contact the Stoughton Rotary Club. It took just a few weeks to decide and begin the process to convert the Key Club to the Interact Club. A few months later the application was approved by Rotary International and the journey began.
The Interact Club and the sponsoring Rotary Club of Stoughton have participated in many service projects thus far. Together they have worked at Food 4 Kidz, assembling fruit baskets for the Rotary fundraiser, the Children’s Business fair and the town festival, Syttende Mai, food stand. The students started a monthly game night at Skaalan Retirement Services and decorated windows at Nazareth Health and Rehabilitation Center for the winter holidays and Valentine’s month. The group collected toys for Reach Dane Head Start and are in the process of collecting books for the elementary students in Stoughton. They have plans for so many more projects this year!
What began as a necessary transition has become a powerful example of what can happen when adults listen, students lead, and organizations remain open to change. In Stoughton, WI, a simple question opened the door to deeper engagement, stronger service, and a renewed commitment to developing the next generation of community leaders.