Kentlake High School has a new community based service club called Kentlake Interact, which is sponsored by Covington Rotary.

With physics teacher Russ Ballard as its advisor, the club is sponsored by the Covington Rotary, and much of the emphasis of the club is on service projects similar to what Rotary already does.

“It promotes growth in self and awareness of others,” Ballard said. “A big, big focus is awareness of other cultures and how others view common problems.”

For its first year, Kentlake Interact intends to use Rotary as the blueprint for its activities. For example, the Rotary’s Backpack Buddies program, where students at various schools would receive pick up a backpack filled with food for their families.

“We’re feeling through this and it’s better to piggy back instead of build it from the ground up,” Ballard said.

At the same time, however, he hopes the students will form their own ideas as well.

“I try not to put too much of my vision into it,” Ballard said. “They (might) note that project x is taking place in Covington and so we want to take it to Maple Valley. I think there will be a lot of interest as well (from the students). The kids are going to be the deciders…when the kids have a lot of discussion and are doing research.”

Kentlake Interact currently meets on Wednesdays for 30 minutes immediately after school in Room 2702. Thus far the meetings have consisted of proposals for what community projects interest them.

The club first came about in September when Kentlake Principal Joe Potts approached Ballard with the idea and asked him to be the advisor.

“(After that) we just started slowly assembling a (starting) date,” Ballard said.

Aside from sponsorship, Covington Rotary support has been critical to Kentlake Interact, according to Ballard.

“They have been involved since day one,” Ballard said. “They were very enthusiastic with getting the club going. Even when before we gave birth to the club they were very supportive of what we were trying to do. It’s not just about what we’re doing to put our name on the projects. They want to be able to help, facilitate and expedite.”

The club currently has 20 students and elected junior Mitch Hillard as the club president.

“My hope is that they would be appreciative and understanding of other cultures and how they can accomplish a common goal,” Ballard said. “I don’t think that happens as much as it should.”