ABOUT RYLA

Each year, thousands of young people ages 14-30 take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program worldwide. Participants, who are chosen for their potential as leaders, attend an all-expenses-paid seminar, camp, or workshop to discuss leadership skills and learn them through practice. Rotary clubs and districts select attendees and facilitate the events.

RYLA was officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971, and it is one of the most significant and fastest-growing Rotary service programs. RYLA often leads to the formation or strengthening of Rotaract and Interact clubs, and participants frequently go on to become Rotary Youth Exchange students or Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars.

RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth, and aims to

• Demonstrate Rotary's respect and concern for youth

• Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders

• Encourage leadership of youth by youth

• Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities

District 7280’s RYLA program began over 25 years ago with the encouragement and vision of Trueman Mills of the Clarion Rotary Club. Along with the then Dean of Students of Westminster College, and Zane Gizzi the District’s first on-site Director for RYLA, these men developed a program that is virtually unchanged today. In 1994 the leadership changed when PDG Lee Ahlum stepped in as RYLA 7280 Chairman, and Stacy Gallagher took over as on-site Director. These two, along with Jackie Jaros who was hired as co-Director in 2003 have revolutionized the program into what it is today.