RYLA—Students Speak

Pete Cavoto introduced Sean Nelson, the RYLA Chair for conference 6440 and five students who were the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) award winners from Hersey High School. This motivational program educates high school students to become leaders in our community. Each student must qualify for this program by displaying leadership skills in their high school and by participating in several leadership programs. They all have outstanding grades and are required to write a two page essay on the subject of leadership.

Our five students Katarzyna Dubiel, Marilyn Gaske, Kathleen Salt, Katie Stensland and Christina Jreisat gave presentations of their experience at the conference. Katarzyna talked about how she learned what contribution she can provide to the betterment of the environment. Marilyn was able to walk away with a more positive outlook on life. Kathleen mentioned that it is essential to the world that leaders develop confidence and skills to guide and to provide someone or many a better way to approach problems. Katie was emotional due to a situation she experienced with almost loosing her mother who had to go through open heart surgery. The amazing speakers at the conference helped her get over this emotional period. Christina learned that the ultimate measure of a person is not where he/she stands in moments of comfort, but where he/she stands at times of challenge and controversy. It was evident that each found ways to improve their leadership skills and gain new perspectives on what it takes to become a leader.