S4TL 2014

Posted by Bill Wicker

on Aug 10, 2014

Our club's S4TL representative Megan Shulmister, third from the left, with other S4TL students

S4TL is a leadership training program for high school students. It is organized annually by Rotarian senior staff from Districts 6890, 6950 and 6960 in mid-Florida. This award-winning program is capable of transforming the lives of these young leaders. Each Rotary club in the three districts may sponsor a delegate to the sessions

One unique feature of S4TL is the "rap sessions" where the leaders of tomorrow are divided into groups of 16-18 delegates. They meet with Rotarians to discuss topics of interest to them. No holds are barred, and both groups learn from one another.

Our club is proud to sponsor a local high school to attend this program each year. This year's participant was Megan Shulmister. Megan recently attended our club meeting to talk to us regarding her experience. This are her comments:

Hi!!

Thank you so much for having me at the luncheon on Monday! Here's a little recap of my S4TL experience:

S4TL was an an amazing experience and one I will never forget. I made friendships that will last a lifetime along with leadership skills that will benefit me throughout the rest of my life. Between the powerful speakers, "Rap Sessions" with Rotarians across the state, and our chaotic but memorable meals, the week was a blast. My favorite part of the whole experience was that I got to be apart of 155 students that completely broke down their walls and helped build each other up. At S4TL, there weren't any "cliques;" everyone was a friend. Ultimately that is what leadership is all about: encouraging others and finding the value that every single person has to offer. Although my new friends all live hours away, our bonds are closer than ever. I am looking forward to reuniting with them one day and hopefully returning to S4TL in 2015 as a counselor! This was an experience of a lifetime.

Thanks again! S4TL was AWESOME!!

-Megan Shulmister