ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS (R.Y.L.A.)

At the regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale, held at the Nasson Little Theater on Thursday, August 4, members and guests were treated to hearing accounts from five local high school students about their experiences attending the R.Y.L.A. camp in June.  The program was developed in 1971 as a means by where (at least in the local Rotary District) students just finishing their sophomore year of high school, are sponsored to participate in a "intensive leadership experience".

Students sponsored by the local Rotary Club included (from L to R) Jack Beaupre, Jack Sevigny, Jake Doughty , Hannah Paterson and Caroline Daskoski.  Unfortunately, Sydney  Rous was unable to attend the breakfast.  A number of parents also attended.

Seen here at RYLA Camp are Hanna Paterson, Jake Doughty, Jack Sevigny, Sydney Rous and Caroline Daskoski.

Students, Rotarians and families of the RYLA students were treated to breakfast sandwiches provided by Rotarian Bob Myott - owner of the local SubWay, Coffee and beverages by  Rotarian Caitlyn , owner of Aroma Joe's near the Sanford Airport and juices by Rotarian Andy Orazio, Executive director of the Sanford Y.M.C.A.

As a tribute to their accomplishments, the Rotary Club of Sanford-Springvale named each of the RYLA students as Rotary Junior Ambassadors, in hopes they will help spread the word about RYLA to their friends and fellow students, but also to maybe lend a hand with Rotary Club projects, as they fulfill their community service requirements.

All students are sponsored by local Rotary Clubs to R.Y.L.A., where they develop leadership skills, all the while having fun, meeting various challenges and most important, making connections.  The benefits of the program are 1) improving communication and problem-solving skills; 2) discovering strategies for becoming dynamic leaders in their schools and communities; 3) becoming peer mentors; 4) forming lasting friendships; and 5) helping to unlock their potential to turn motivation into action.

Anyone interested in obtaining more information about the R.Y.L.A. program should contact a member of thier local Rotary Club.