Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is Rotary's leadership training program for young people. RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to: demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth, provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders, encourage leadership of youth by youth and recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.  Students from all over District 6220 including Rotary Youth Exchange students participated in the conference from Friday, October 7 – Sunday, October 9 at Camp Manito-wish YMCA in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin.  Our Club sponsored 6 students – 2 from Appleton East, Appleton North and Appleton West High Schools.  These students were selected by school administrators and members of the RYLA Committee. Today, the students were awarded a framed certificate in recognition of successful completion of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards curriculum. 

Samantha Wojnowski (Appleton West) said that the conference was really fun.  The kids were put in different groups so it gave her a chance to meet a lot of new people.  She talks to the kids from the camp everyday.  It was a cool experience that taught her a lot.

Patrick Bishop (Appleton West) explained that it was fun.  When the conference was over everyone got emotional.  He is still in contact with most of his group who got very close.  His favorite thing was dinner.  The conference taught him how to set a good example and get people involved.

Selena Rippl (Appleton East) had a fantastic time.  She got comfortable with the people on the bus and then was split into different groups and got to know more people.  Everyone was crying when they left.  It felt like they knew each other for a long time. 

Brandon Dosdos (Appleton East) – It was very cold during the conference.  He did not bring enough warm clothes.  He only knew one other person when he went to camp but then met so many people.  He learned what to do with people he did not know.

Kaitlan Herman (Appleton North) – It was a wonderful experience.  She was a little shaky at first since she was not used to meeting new people.  She got to know a lot of new people.  She thanked Rotary for this experience. 

Michael Barta (Appleton North) – He expressed his gratitude to Rotary and Appleton North staff for choosing him.  Michael has Asperger Syndrome.  This camp was the first time he has ever been in a safe, positive environment surrounded by kids his own age.  It took a little time to get used to the fact he was on his own.  One of the funniest moments for him was an exercise using high school social groups.  His group represented the mentally disabled.  He found it funny that he was randomly placed in this group.  He discovered how hard it is to be a part of only one social group in high school.  He also had to create skits using the 4 Way Test.  As the weekend drew to a close, he dreaded the farewells.  He reminded himself that there is never a final goodbye only new beginnings.  This camp helped him see that if you surround yourself with positive people, you will be positive too. 

Thanks to the RYLA Committee for arranging this opportunity for these kids – Alyce Dumke (Co-Chair), Dennis Hietpas (Co-Chair), Gary Hermsen, Marta Weldon, Rosie Cannizzo, Shannon Full, John Fuller, John Mielke, Jon Kester, Martin Rudd and Alan Blake.