Club members are InterACTing in their own way.

Wai’anae is a community that is often overlooked by many, for many different reasons. From domestic abuse to drug abuse, the town has its fair share of problems. In a world where looks and reputations reign supreme, Wai’anae has fallen low on the tourist attraction totem pole. A lot of people provide support for such meager expectations, but even more are fed up and have started fighting against the stereotypes. A new club at Waianae High School this year is trying to do just that through the act of community service.

Proactive students along with the Wai`anae Rotary Club started the newly formed Searider Interact Club. It started in November of last year and now boasts over 30 members. Searider Interact meets every other Thursday at Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp in club advisor Sergeant Buddy Rego's classroom.

“I’m glad they asked me to advise the club because it’s a good thing and something that the school needs,” Rego said.

Their main goal is to bring a renewed sense of pride and intensity to helping out the community of Wai’anae. The members are tired of the nonchalant attitude given towards the status of their hometown and instead of just wishing for a change, they are becoming it.

Two people committed to this idea of change are sophomores Shayla Bradley, club president, and vice-president Kerstye Kau. This is the first time either of them have taken charge of an organization.

"At first, we didn't know what we were going to do with the club, we didn't have any idea what was going on. But after we were taught how to run an interact club, we were super excited about starting it," Bradley said.

They plan the meetings, organize members, help with event arrangements and work closely with the Rotary Club advisors.

Kerstye Kau said,“We’re trying to get more people to do more community service around Wai’anae, picking up trash on the beaches and recycling their cans and bottles because it’s important to help out the place you live in and take pride in it.”

The feelings of pride and responsibility are what keep up the club’s crusade for a better Wai’anae.

Searider Interact has big plans for the future. Fundraisers and many community service projects are in the works that will benefit both Wai’anae and Searider Interact members.

"I'm really looking forward to the upcoming recycling event and the canned food drive. The members worked together really hard to bring the events into the final planning stages and I think everything is gonna go really well. I'm also looking forward to more new members that are coming in to be a part of this club," said Kau.

She and Bradley see the club expanding and with that expansion they hope to change the community even more. Having enough people to hold bigger events and help out Wai’anae on a larger scale is something they hope the club will be able to achieve one day.

Bradley said,“I want people to be able to see our club and not think that we’re bad just because we’re from Wai’anae. Our club is a fun, safe place that lets students help out their community. It doesn’t matter that we’re from Wai’anae, we can still do just as much good as anyone else.”

Searider Interact associates hope to prove that good actions speak louder than any amount of harsh words and that they can tear down barriers many thought were unbreakable.