PROGRAM: RYLA Director -President Darin Arrasmith started by saying there were thank you letters on the tables from RYLA participants. He said it has been the greatest pleasure of his life to participate each year in RYLA. He said it is an emotional experience and so many parents call him each year because they are amazed at the difference it has made in their child's lives.
He thanked Felix Wang, Sevak K, David Masci, Jim Wisdom and Sherry Blessing for going again this year to help. He thanked Regina for being a Keynote speaker, and thanked Somer Barwick, Karen Albaum for visiting.
He invited each student that was there to get up and say a few words, and in the RYLA tradition, when that person says hello and says their name, everyone in the room should respond back "HI (say their name)" which the room did each time.
Connor Barwick said he is one of the founders of TOHS' Interact Club and they are holding a Bowl-a-thon on May 15th to raise money. He said RYLA was an amazing experience and it's amazing how connected he was with other attendees in such a short amount of time, they will have lasting friendships because of the experience.
Justin thanked everyone for the experience and said it was life changing and give him new leadership and life skills.
London said thank you for getting me there, he connected with people on a deeper level, the speakers were great, it was a really cool experience.
Brandon said he didn't want to go at first, but he is so happy he did because it was a life changing experience. He sees life differently now. He was amazing that all of his counselors wrote handwritten notes to him.
Jennifer was grateful for the experience to connect with everyone on a different level. She said they are still staying connected. She loved the workshops and speakers.
Kaitlin was scared at first and wanted to go home, but she echoed what everyone else said and so grateful to have participated. It was life changing.
Ananya also wanted to just go home at first, but everyone was so welcoming and it was cool talking to each other. She is grateful.
Annika didn't want to go but said it was very special. She loved the speakers and loved the Diversity Class....it helped her face a lot of her fears and she is grateful.
Cole was skeptical at first but loved getting to meet so many people. He loved the speakers and connected with so many different people....they are still connected.
Regina and Alex both got up and said what an incredible experience it is to be there and help the students. Alex attended RYLA in 2019 and is now back as a counselor. Regina was a keynote speaker and thanked Darin for having her there
Darin ended the program by telling the kids to "stay true to your dreams and treat everyone with respect and dignity:
P.E. Michelle ended the meeting thanking everyone that helped with the meeting today and she said give everyone a round of applause
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