Community

Bridgeport Schools welcome Rotary Club District Governor

BRIDGEPORT - The newly-opened multipurpose Bridge building at Bridgeport Exempted hosted the area Rotarians and District Governor Terry Rataiczak, and brought high school volunteers together with dedicated community members during the Oct. 22 gathering.

They were joined by students from Bridgeport High School's Interact Club, the volunteer-focused organization sponsored by Rotary. The presence of the Bridge on campus allows students to conveniently attend community events and gives them other opportunities to acquire real-world experience and mentoring.

Rataiczak, who has roots in the Belmont County area, was impressed by the venue and Bridgeport Schools' hospitality.

"The facilities are real nice. We were talking with the leaders in the club earlier and this is the third meeting they've been able to have here. They like the transition to the space here and they think it's going to be beneficial to the work that they're doing with the Interact kids as well, because it puts them on the same campus," he said. "Connecting with our youth at every level is a positive experience."

He said Bulldog Country has a lot to celebrate.

"There's some great things going on down here in Bridgeport and we want to make sure that they get recognized for all the hard work they're putting in."

During his talk, Rataiczak noted District 6690 covers much of southeast Ohio and spoke about the many outreach projects that are benefitting the community. He also recounted some district-wide service projects.

He has adopted the guidelines of five words: inspire, cultivate, rethink, pioneer and thrive. Rataiczak said it is vital to have a vision, take time to prepare and think of the details, maintain an openness to new ideas and a willingness to explore uncertainties, and to invest in what you make.

Rataiczak recounted how the Rotary Clubs have made the most of fundraising by partnering with organizations that match the money they collect. He said the community garden is a fitting metaphor for the Rotary Club, which plants the seeds of projects that will continue to benefit others in the future.

Bridgeport Rotary President Beuna Gargala welcomed the young people of the Interact Club.

"They're doing good things in their club."

She looks forward to more local projects, including a community garden at the Bridge. Gargala said the new building is already proving ideal for cooperating.

"It's going to be really good for the community."

The Interact students were accompanied by Interact advisor and high school English teacher Lynette Ehrmantraut. She said the Rotarians have always been happy to meet young leaders among the students as part of their investment in the future.

"Interact is the youth version of the Rotary, so it's all about: 'Who comes next? Who comes after us?'"

Ehrmantraut added the students are also excited to meet experienced community leaders.

"It's just so beneficial to both of them to have some space."

She mentioned some of the students' current activities such as raising awareness and collecting donations to fight polio.

"Upcoming we are doing a food pantry project," she said. Students will be collecting canned food with the goal of 800 items for the area food bank ahead of the holidays.

Interact Club members such as junior Sebastian Roberts were happy for the chance to meet the Rotarians.

"I wanted to help the community," he said. "Being in Interact and seeing Rotary and all these kind members who all have thoughts on the world, and being able to help my local community and also globally with our fundraisers has made me see the good side of people."

Sebastian added Interact has been part of initiatives such as a fundraiser this year to help fight pediatric cancer.

Sophomore Peyden Graham is serving as treasurer of the Interact Club this year. He was also inspired.

"I joined my freshman year, and ever since then I've just enjoyed being part of it. It became something more than just something on a college letter. It made me feel a part of something bigger than myself."

Peyden looks forward to activities such as community cleanups, helping at soup kitchens and more fundraisers. He was also excited to meet the Rotary members.

"It's awesome what they do, and I'm happy that people can do this, come together and help the community."

This is freshman Makenzie Harding's first year with the Interact Club.

"It seemed really fun, because I like to be involved in my community and it gave me more ways to do that," she said. "It was very welcoming and it seems very fun, and I'm excited with all the projects we're working on."

She is making posters for the food drive.

"I'm excited to see how many cans we collect and what all we do collect."

Makenzie also found the Rotary Club interesting.

"They were all very nice and it was very nice to meet them. It seems like they do a lot for the community and for Ohio in total, and I think that's awesome."

Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher said the school is committed to fostering positive activity among his students.

"We have a lot of students in Interact this year, getting involved, which is great. It's also great that it gives them a chance to get involved in community aspects and help out."