Jack Anderson joined the Interact Club at the John Cooper School as a sophomore, initially looking to fulfill community service hours for his college applications. What started as a checklist quickly turned into a passion for giving back. By his senior year, Jack had accumulated a club-record 130 service hours, leading projects from food distribution to senior center entertainment. His experience not only strengthened his commitment to service but also deepened his connections within The Woodlands. Now, as he prepares for his next chapter at The Ohio State University, Jack is eager to continue volunteering and inspiring others along the way.
Jack Anderson joined the Interact Club at the John Cooper School in The Woodlands in his sophomore year of high school. Rotary International and its local clubs sponsor Interact service clubs worldwide. The Rotary Club of The Woodlands sponsors eight Interact Clubs at local high schools, including John Cooper School.
During the first year of club membership, Jack says that his involvement was limited. Jack admits that he joined Interact for the community service to show on his college applications. He quickly realized, however, how much he enjoyed helping others and increased his involvement. Jack became a board member and club leader. He observed, “Volunteering with friends is fun, not a burden. I never felt a desire for my time serving to end soon.”
In his senior year, Jack accumulated 130 service hours, a club record. Some of the service opportunities Jack worked on include:
-On Saturday mornings, collecting out-of-date produce from a local grocery and taking it to a free-food distribution center. (Jack was a leader in organizing this project.)
-Working with children with autism.
-Performing music and otherwise entertaining and providing companionship at a local senior center. (Jack is a percussionist in the high school band.)
-Participated in the club’s team for the local YMCA’s annual Dragon Boat Races.
-Assisted a Congressman in staging a high school leadership program.
Jack lists some lessons from serving through Interact. First, “Interact helped me realize how fortunate I am compared to others, which also motivated me to give back more.” Second, “Interact has led to me gaining many connections within The Woodlands community.” These are in addition to new friendships with classmates in all four grades of his high school. Finally, “I learned communication and motivational skills.”
Jack expects to round up some new friends to do more volunteer work after he enters The Ohio State University in the fall.
Marivi Mata and Braden Goveia are the selfless faculty advisors of the Interact Club at John Cooper School, and Bill Friebel is the club’s advisor from the Rotary Club of The Woodlands.
Written by Rotarian Patrick Reardon, proud grandfather of Jack.
Photos provided by Patrick Reardon. Thumbnail: Jack and a fellow student at the YMCA Dragon Boat Challenge. Left: Jack helping young students during an event. Right: Jack Anderson, John Cooper Grad.