On February 10-12, MaKayla Clements, Caleb Otte, and Nick Payne attended the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) camp at Clements Scout Ranch in Athens, Texas. Clements and Otte were first time juniors while Payne was a returning senior counselor. They joined high school juniors from the 5830 division to learn team work and leadership through outdoor activities.

“It was a great experience,” said Otte. “I got to learn the true meaning of leadership and met some amazing people. After the experience I had, it is definitely unforgettable.”

RYLA is a program where the top students are selected to be taken to a leadership camp. The RYLA program is a key element of Rotary’s program and is designed to equip outstanding young people to become effective future leaders.

Applicants are recommended by their high school counselors, teachers, and principals on the basis of service performed, leadership ability, academic performance and citizenship. RYLA will help make the student more confident and self-assured in future decision-making and leadership situations they will confront later in life. Each Rotary club has the opportunity to award scholarships to the selected high school juniors that attend the camp.

“I was honored to be chosen to go to this camp,” said Clements. “I got to meet inspirational people and made unforgettable memories, all while learning to be a leader. The camp was challenging, but it was worth it in the end.”