The 2020-2021 RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) winners were announced on Monday, Jan. 4th as Ruby Sandoval and Jo-Kovin Campbell. They were interviewed with the Rotary Club, before Christmas, when the counselors received teacher nominations for ten deserving junior candidates.

“I felt excited and honored to receive the RYLA award”, said Sandoval. “I can finally say my hard work is beginning to pay off”.

The RYLA program is a key element of Rotary’s program and is designed to equip 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. Sandoval and Campbell will be able to attend the RYLA Leadership Camp along with other students who were chosen from surrounding schools across East Texas.

“It was an honor for me to be selected for the RYLA award”, said Campbell. “My family and friends are very proud of me, and I am so excited to represent Chapel Hill High School at camp where I hope to bring back ways to improve the leadership in my community”.

Sandoval and Campbell will travel to the Clements Scout Ranch camp, of Athens, later this spring.