Meeting Summary: August 5, 2025 – Guest Speaker Landon Staab on RYLA
At our August 5th meeting, the Marion-East Cedar Rapids Rotary Club welcomed Landon Staab as our featured speaker. Landon shared his personal journey and insights from participating in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program — a transformative leadership experience for high school students across Iowa.
Held annually at Grinnell College, RYLA is a week-long conference focused on developing leadership skills through interactive workshops, team-building activities, and motivational presentations. The program emphasizes key themes such as emotional intelligence, ethical leadership, and community service, all rooted in Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
Landon’s presentation highlighted the lasting impact of RYLA, including increased confidence, meaningful friendships, and a deeper understanding of leadership. He also spoke to the value of alumni and volunteer involvement in mentoring new participants, reinforcing the program’s cycle of growth and service.
Whether you're a seasoned Rotarian or newly engaged in youth initiatives, Landon’s reflections offered a compelling look at how Rotary is nurturing the next generation of leaders.