RYLA conferees invited back to Southern Ulster Rotary Club to share their experiences. Parental gratitude overwhelms the room. Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where students develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.
RYLA conferees were invited back to Southern Ulster Rotary Club to share their experiences. Parental gratitude overwhelms the room.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where students develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.
Students are nominated by their local Rotary Club and can expect to
- Build communication and problem-solving skills
- Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in your school or community
- Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors
- Unlock your potential to turn motivation into action
- Have fun and form lasting friendships
This past year Southern Ulster Rotary sent 4 students to RYLA and we were proud to invite them back to the club after their experience to share what it was about.
We learned about team building, confidence in college, working through shy or challenging situations, square dancing and special service projects that allowed these students to practice some of the new skills they were exposed to.
In an open question session that followed the students' experience, Rotarians asked the parents in the room their thoughts.
"RYLA provided a safe environment for my smart seemingly shy student feel more confident in speaking out her ideas and thoughts allowing her to take the lead in conversations that she had subject expertise in whereas peer and environmental pressures of high school may suppress those opportunities. In turn, I've witnessed tremendous growth in my student that gives us both a renowned sense of confidence for college and the future. Every high school student should have this experience. Thank you, Southern Ulster Rotary, for allowing us this opportunity."
That night, our members learned so much more, not just about RYLA but the lasting impact it has on its participants, volunteers and conferees.
