RYLA 2013, Blue Jay, CA

Back Row (L-R) Autumn Bignami, Activities Director, Henry Estrada, Polly Rameriz, Arianna Ojeda, Leo Silva, Sergio De La Torre and Andrew Yonaki, Interact Club Advisor.  Front Row (L-R) Pamela Garcia, Daisy Macias, Grisel Vazquez, Jacqueline De Luna and Seriana Aguilar.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) attendees from Paramount High School came to visit and share the experiences of their weekend.  Accompanied by Andy Yonaki, their Advisor, Asst. Baseball Coach and Math Teacher and by Autmn Bignami who, along with teaching, organizes student activities and is a regular visitor to the Rotary club.  Andy said that some of the students needed some convincing to attend, but they are all excited when they return.  For some, this is their first time away from home.  We saw a slide presentation of the weekend and then the students took turns telling about their experience.

Here is some of what they had to say.  Daisy said it was the best weekend she has ever had.  She was eager to go and was a winner in the talent show.  Jackie met amazing, friendly and funny people that made her feel comfortable.  The event helped her increase her confidence and she plans to run for a leadership position in the Interact Club next year.  Giselle says she is a better person, leader and teammate.  She has removed "no I can't" from her vocabulary.  Sergio is less shy and has come out of his shell.  He made many friends that he stays in touch with on the internet and he will remember this his whole life.  Leo liked the activity called the "coolest universe" where everyone openly and safely discuss their deep feelings without judgement.  He says it was an amazing experience that he will never forget.  Pamela had so much fun; she felt welcome and able to be herself and not worry.  Ariana had never been away from home before and will never forget her experience.  Polly knows RYLA  will influence her for the rest of her life.  The 4-C's (communication, compassion, cooperation and creativity) will mold her.  She will be creative and do whatever she wants.  Serena said it was indescribable.  She learned she can trust her senses with the "blind walk".  She met people she never would meet and didn't want to leave.  Henry said it was the most beneficial event in his life.  He was afraid to speak before, but this opened his eyes to the fact that shyness gets you nowhere.  He is now more involved and a different man.  Not present were Buena Vista's Ariel Waggoner and Rosalinda Morales, but they both expressed their thanks for this life changing experience.

A special thank you to the sponsors who made it possible for the students to attend: Case Boogaard, Karen Kelly, Chizue Ouchi, Nick Pardasani, Maxine and Randy Roberts, Beth Bettger and Dr. Max Martinez.