RYLA 2015
Posted by Bud Jackson
on May 17, 2015
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) was held in Blue Jay, CA over the weekend (driving up Friday and returning on Sunday). Students sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of District 5280 came together for this life changing event. Due to the efforts of President John Boogaard, Paramount Rotary sent twelve students, which was the largest group at the event. Counselors and staff plan a vigorous weekend taking the students out of their comfort zone to interact with everyone.
A few of the students shared their experience, but all agreed that this was a life changing event. Leonela Gurrola had her doubts about going, but she now feels extremely lucky and fortunate that she attended. She says it was so cool to meet students from all over the world, and wants to be a much nicer person and doing more for her community and school. Jesus Robledo says his experience was one of the best in his life. In the beginning he was shy and hesitant to talk to anyone he didn’t know, but he began to come out of his shell to participate when he realized no one knew who he was and he could act however he wanted. He says this has forever changed his life. Brian Rodriquez said his experience was not only a fun weekend filled with a variety of activities it also gave him the opportunity to improve his leadership skills. RYLA proved to him that he is a strong leader and he should show it. He was able to take responsibility and lead a group and is optimistic about his future as a leader. Jennifer Solorzano thought that no way was she going to talk to anyone, but after a while she felt so connected to all the people she got to know. For the first time she didn’t feel like people were judging her. Everyone was so busy being themselves that they weren’t worried about being an outcast from the group.
Other comments I heard from the group were: we are princesses, who cares what other people think, be who you want to be, trust others, it's okay to step back and work with others, I’m a better listener and one of the girls who had always wanted lighter hair had the courage to finally dye her hair.
In the group photo are (Sitting L-R) Nathalia Mendoza, Jennifer Solorzano, Beatriz Salazar, Sheyla Burgos, Genesis Quezada, Leonela Gurrola, Giselle Ruiz and Gabriela Haro (Standing L-R) Jorge Roque, Jesus Robledo, Joshua Felix, Brian Ramirez and Mr. Andy Yonaki. Andy Yonaki is a Paramount High School math teacher and baseball coach. He has been with PHS for five years and has been the Interact Club advisor during this time. Andy is the glue that holds these students together.
All the News Fit to Print:
Greg Buckner was proud to report that PHS is one of the 180 schools to receive the California Gold Ribbon School Award. There are about 1300 schools in CA so that's like one in seven.
John Berg reported that his son John and his wife, Brittany, have a bun in the oven.
Scholarship Luncheon next week Rotarians should arrive early, about 10:30.
A PHS student, Jesus Victoria, came to the PRC to ask for help with an opportunity that has been presented to him. He has the been selected by the Stanford Law School to attend a one week seminar this summer. He will learn how to present his case before the San Francisco Superior Court House. The cost is $3500, which is beyond his ability to raise. He is asking PRC for help. If you would like to help support him he will appreciate what ever you can do.