Unusual approach to spring break

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Teenagers enjoyed spring break in many ways all across St. Charles Parish, but one group of involved Hahnville High School students spent time doing community service work.

"The Hahnville Interact Club is a miniature rotary organization," Rica Soudelier, teacher and club organizer, said. "There are 42 students in the club that participate in various activities around the parish every year."

Soudelier encourages the students from grades 9 through 12 to sign up for the club because of the benefits of meeting public officials and business leaders in the community. It also looks impressive on a resume when students apply for scholarships. Students also get insight about what businesses are hiring for jobs.

"The students in this club get a chance to meet a lot of our parish leaders when we're invited to participate in St. Charles Rotary Club activities," she said. "This is good for their future."

Soudelier says this gives the students an opportunity to talk to the leaders about their future goals and career aspirations.
"We've adopted the local Head Start Program as our school," she said. "The students visited the school and passed out Easter treats to all the students, like activity books and Easter eggs."

Soudelier says the students assisted the elderly by helping them get ready for their Mardi Gras Ball at the Luling Care Center. During Christmas time, they distributed toys to the Head Start Program and they also host a new generation forum, which allows them to interact with leaders about the concerns of young people in the community.

"The students do a lot in the parish, not only for Spring Break, but year round," Soudelier said. "This year they also worked booths at the Alligator Festival."
Soudelier says the club gets some of its funding from the rotary club that sponsors the event and the students work in exchange for the funding.

"I encourage students to join our organization at the beginning of the school year, rather than waiting later on, so that they can have an opportunity to participate in all of the group's activities," she said. "Community involvement is important for all students and helps everyone in the parish."