Local Students Attend Conference

Two area high school seniors began their summer break by attending the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Conference (RYLA) hosted at Messiah College from June 13th through June 17th. Christina Tinoco (pictured), daughter of Manuel and Leticia Tinoco, and Christina Wolfe (see Photos for picture), daughter of Carolyn and Michael Wolfe are 2010-2011 seniors at Lebanon Catholic School. Both students were fully sponsored to attend the Conference by Rotary of Lebanon, having been recommended by their school's administration. Participants apply as high school juniors and must demonstrate leadership qualities in one or more of the following areas: scholastic attainment; citizenship; school organizations (Student Council, Honor Society, etc.); extracurricular activities (athletics, debate, drama, music, etc.). The Rotary Youth Leadership Conference (referred to as RYLA: Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is an event sponsored by Rotary Clubs of Rotary International District 7390 which encompasses Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York Counties. Approximately 120 students are sponsored by 48 Rotary Clubs to attend the conference. The purpose of the conference is to explore qualities of leadership and its impact on society, understand the changing roles of today's youth on tomorrow's world, explore professional and vocational career opportunities, and to provide a climate for personal growth through association with previously unknown but like-minded and success oriented contemporaries. The event concludes with an awards dinner honoring the participants before their family, friends, and Rotarians. Lebanon Rotary also supports numerous activities to both recognize and benefit local youth including: Students of the Month; college scholarships, support for Lebanon County Career and Technology students attending national competitions as well as sponsorships for the RYLA conference held every June. Current high school juniors attending Lebanon area high schools who are interested in learning more about RYLA may contact Rotary of Lebanon President, Patrick Freer, Jr. at: patrick@stricklerinsurance.com.