Mon-Yough River Valley Rotary honors students of the month

For the MVI

Members of the Mon-Yough River Valley Rotary Club recently honored Charleroi Area High School’s Interact Club students of the month during a breakfast celebration at the school district’s Alumni Room.

Interact Clubs are Rotary International’s service and humanitarian organizations aimed at helping young people develop leadership skills, promote community service and foster international understanding.

The students received a cash award and certificate, both donated by Dr. Bernard Bandini, a 1979 Charleroi alumnus and a Rotarian who has spent decades working in the nuclear industry.

“It was such a pleasure to be back at Charleroi High School where the foundation of my academic and professional career was built and meet such a group of dedicated and dynamic students,” Bandini said. “I know for certain that there is no limit to what these students can achieve now and in the future.”

Mon-Yough River Valley Rotary President Donna Vesely urged the students to continue their efforts to promote kindness and seek opportunities for service throughout their lives.

She told them that so many people never find “true joy in life” until they experience the gratification that comes with helping someone in need or making a positive change in their communities.

The students were selected on the basis of their participation in club service projects and other activities.

Most recently, club members erected a Peace Pole on school grounds bearing a message of understanding and kindness throughout the world. The project was made possible through funds obtained by the students from a Bank of America Community Volunteer Grant.

There are more than 12,300 Interact clubs in 133 countries with membership in the hundreds of thousands. Each club is sponsored by a Rotary Club to offer mentorship and guidance.