Westerly High School Students selected to attend RYLA Conferences

The Rotary Youth Leadership Award started in 1959 in Queensland, Australia to celebrate the royal visit of 22-year-old Princess Alexandra of the UK.  It was so successful over subsequent years and spreading to other countries that it became a Rotary International official program in 1971.  Since 2011, the Rotary Club of Westerly has sponsored the following students for this very special program.

 

2011  -  Austin Menta
Austin, a sophomore student, said he wasn't sure what to expect when he left to attend RYLA last year but he was pleasantly surprised.  In one activity after another, he said the leaders challenged us to try new things and taught them all kinds of leadership skills.  He said that he has continued to use these skills.  Austin noted that there were over a hundred students in all.


2012 - Ryan Quattromani
Ryan is a Junior and Honor Student at Westerly High School.  Much like the student of the month selection process, Ryan was chosen by Principal Ruscito and his staff for his academic and community service achievements.  He is President of the Future Business Leaders of America, is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, a volunteer at the Dunns Corner Fire Department and is a boy Scout.  Ryan is working to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout and is running a Teen Drive to gather items for teens in need.  Visiting the Club on 22 October, Ryan said that he very much appreciated the opportunity to attend the RYLA weekend last May and was putting to good use those skills learned there and he thanked the membership.


2013 - Julianna Marrone
Julianna is a Sophomore at Westerly High School.  She plays basketball and volleyball.  Julianna was selected through an application process and her statement "a leader is someone who creates their own path" won her the award.  A very impressive young lady.

 

Caden is a student at South Kingstown High School and had been waitlisted - needing a sponsor.

 

Abi is a junior at Westerly High School.  She has received High Honors academically and is a member of cross country, indoor and outdoor track.  Serves the community through volunteering with Columbus Day Parade, Summer Pops, .

 

A Junior at Westerly High School, Adam was selected to attend the 2020 RYLA Conference.  However, due to COVID19, the 2020 program had to be cancelled.  The District Committee approved that 2020 RYLA students could participate in the 2021 RYLA Conference if they chose to and Adam has accepted.  He brings to RYLA his leadership skills as class president, WHS student representative to School Committee.  His community service efforts include Big Buddies, Feast of our Lady of Mt Carmel Committee, Summer Pops, Westerly Youth Soccer Association.   Adam is also an honor student, earned his Academic Letter and Lamp of Learning pin.

 

Katherine is a Sophomore at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett, MA.  One of her teachers recommended that she apply for RYLA and she did so without a sponsor.  In her application she spoke of her disappointment in not making the varsity soccer team after all her summer training efforts but decided that this was a "leadership opportunity on the JV team.  Throughout the season I mentored the girls who were new to the sport, assisted with positioning on the field and became an effective communicator.  This led to being named captain for JV which was an accomplishing goal....It taught me the benefit of being a voice for my teammates and was a rewarding experience."