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ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS (RYLA)
November 2009

The RYLA program of Rotary District 6580 involves intensive training for high school youth. RYLA provides the opportunity for young people to develop leadership skills, increase self-confidence, make new friends, and gain exposure to a variety of issues and people. An additional benefit of RYLA is bridging the gap between generations of Rotarians and youth.

The most recent RYLA conference occurred November 6-8, 2009 at Bradford Woods, near Martinsville, Indiana. Teams of students engaged in outdoor team challenge activities. The participants took turns brainstorming, dialoging, leading and following. They grew to understand the leadership quality of listening and respecting the views and talents of their fellow team members.

A record number of 13 Brown County High School students (10 new participants and 3 returning students), sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brown County, attended the 2009 program. Students are, from left, Angelica Nevins, Canyon Zody, Scott Carpenter, Chelsea Brester, Adam Johnson, Will Anderson, Andrew Kesterson, Whitney Brester, Alexis Dishman-Smith, Allison Wooten, Sarah Nungester, Connor O'Neil and Bailey Harmon. The students expressed their excitement and new insights gained from the experience. The Club is fortunate to be able to offer this wonderful learning experience for Brown County students.

Sixty high school students from 17 south-central Indiana Rotary clubs attended, including several Rotary foreign exchange students. Pictured at right are all of the participating RYLA students.