Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary Districts and local Rotary Clubs. RYLA is a week long summer program that takes place on the University of Kansas campus. Participants are high school aged students who have been nominated and subsidized by Rotary Clubs. Participants learn communication skills and problem solving, leadership strategies and hear from community leaders. RYLA is designed to be a fun experience and encourage lasting friendships. Mason Tovers, Free State High School, was sponsored by Lawrence Central Rotary and Hayden Slough, Bishop Miege High School, was sponsored by the Monday Rotary Club. Both young men are involved in a variety of extra curricular activities and share an interest in music. Both were enthusiastic about their RYLA experience. They commented on service projects and the qualities of the speakers they heard. They especially enjoyed interacting with their RYLA peers. Mason and Hayden said they would highly recommend the RYLA program to others.
