Cambridge High’s Interact Club has received the Rotary Club Excellence Award for 2025/2026 for the second consecutive year, recognising pupils’ commitment to community service, leadership and making a difference in the lives of others.
Simoné Jones, educator in charge of the club, said the achievement was particularly meaningful because pupils continued to deliver projects despite having fewer active
members in 2026.
“Even when fewer learners are involved, a committed group can still make a meaningful difference,” Jones said.
She said the award recognised not only the work undertaken by the club but also the personal growth and sense of responsibility pupils had developed through volunteering
their services.
One of the club’s notable initiatives is the Cancer Awareness and Memorial Garden, established last year to honour people who have battled cancer, including those
who survived and those who lost their lives.
The garden also remembers the family members who supported them and
acknowledges the impact cancer has had on members of the school community,
including staff.
The project received the Best Interact Project award at the East London District Interact
Conference in 2025.
In 2026, club members returned to tend to the garden and added colourful, decorated
stones, continuing to care for a space that holds personal significance for the school
community.
The club also continued its annual Cancer Awareness Week ribbon campaign and
introduced Neurodiversity Celebration Week in to this year’s programme.
During the awareness week, pupils made and sold badges, shared information through
daily announcements and participated in a school competition.
A neurodiversity-themed casual day also raised funds for Guardians of Hope.
Other initiatives, included a World Book Day Read-a-Thon, which encouraged learners to
dedicate time to reading during class teacher periods, and a Free Hug Campaign for Random Acts of Kindness Day.
The club also visited toddlers at Guardians of Hope for World Baking Day, helping the
children decorate treats before joining them in the playground.
Jones said the activities offered pupils different ways to put service into practice while
developing their confidence and ability to work with others.
Through school-wide campaigns, fundraising activities and community visits, pupils are encouraged to turn their ideas into practical initiatives.
Committee members help organise activities, encourage participation and ensure plans are carried out.
Jones said leadership within the club extended beyondholding a committee position.
“It is also about being willing to help, taking responsibility and being someone others can
rely on,” she said.
Opportunities such as Rotary leadership camps further help learners develop skills they can
bring back to the club and apply to their initiatives.
Looking ahead to 2027, the club plans to introduce GROW as a committee within Interact.
The initiative will focus on gaining skills, respecting the environment, offering service and working for the school.
Proposed projects include recycling, improving school spaces, growing food in containers, promoting literacy, collecting usable school uniforms and supporting animal welfare.
The school also plans to revive EarlyAct at Cambridge Primary, giving high school Interactors opportunities to mentor younger pupils and introduce them to community
service.
The initiative aims to encourage a culture of service that continues as pupils progress from primary to high school.
The club also hopes to explore opportunities for pupils to connect with Interact members in other countries, allowing them to exchange ideas and learn about different approaches to community service.
For Jones, these initiatives reflect Cambridge High’s motto,
Non Vobis – not for ourselves, but for others.
She said one of the most rewarding aspects of being involved in Interact was
watching young people discover what they could contribute.
“We want them to leave Cambridge understanding that service is not just something you
do for a school project or because it is expected of you. “It is about noticing where help is needed and being willing to do something about it ,” she said.
Jones said the hope was that pupils would carry this attitude with them long after leaving
school, understanding that even small actions could make life better for someone else.
