ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS

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 4 – Sunday, October 6 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. 

Noah Young said that he did not know what to expect when he was chosen to attend.  He met some outstanding people that he still keeps in contact.  Noah participated in many activities that changed his definition of leadership - someone who is able to take the strengths and ideas of many to benefit the whole. 

Gloria Salinia Villagomez told how she was honored to be picked.  It was a fun and awesome experience meeting and working with many new people.  She learned how to trust people playing with noodles on the high ropes.

Jovante McGraw had a phenomenal time learning about himself as well as others.  The camp was a place that he felt comfortable with no one making judgments or racial slurs. He feels that the conference made a difference to help change the world.

Emily Osenroth originally did not want to go since she did not know what to expect.  The last day she did not want to leave.  There was an activity where people shared their dreams for the future which varied.  She gained a new understanding of what she wants to do after she graduates high school. 

Myra Medina thought this was going to be a symposium.  She met many new people from different cultures since Rotary Youth Exchange students also attended.  While in groups, everyone was considered a leader.  She learned that there were different kinds of leaders:  some helped to reach goals and some settled or calmed others.  She learned the importance of self reflection and awareness during a night hike.  She also appreciated being out in nature.

Desiree Lipka told how she got out of her comfort zone once everyone got to know one another.  She said it was one of the best experiences she has had.  During a campfire, people confided in one another and shared secrets.  During a trust game, she found out that people were always there for her. 

Thanks to the RYLA Committee for planning this for the students:  Dennis Hietpas, Gary Hermsen, Marta Weldon, Shannon Full, Rosie Cannizzo, Alyce Dumke, Jon Kester, John Mielke, Martin Rudd and Patti Warmenhoven.  Thanks to Jon Kester for driving the students to camp and John and Sally Mielke for bringing them back to Appleton.