By Bill Maxwell
RYLA;’s logo: Click on image to learn more.
The Rotary Club of Ridgefield, doubling down on past levels of participation, is sponsoring two local high school students – Aspen Shafer and Skylar Shafer – at this year’s Conference of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). RYLA is an internationally recognized program for young adults and each year more than 9,000 young adults are sponsored by Rotary Clubs in over 25 countries. The RYLA conference will be held October 31 – November 2, 2014 at Camp Hazen in Chester, CT.
The conference is designed to increase the leadership skills and commitment to community service for the attendees. The selection criteria for the attendees includes: demonstrated leadership in school or community organizations, ability to make moral decisions, willing to be a participating member of a group, be informed about current events, and willingness to express one’s thoughts in front of an audience.
You probably guessed that Aspen and Skylar Shafer are both sisters. In fact, they are twin sisters. Both expect to graduate from Ridgefield High School in June 2016. “We are sponsoring Aspen and Skylar who, in addition to their studies and part-time work, have been involved with the Midnight Run for the homeless in New York City to other various charitable causes,” said Rich Vazzana, Rotary Club President.
At the Club’s November 12 meeting, last year’s RYLA attendee, Allie Savino will be the speaker. Allie excelled at enhancing her leadership skills and she has earned an invitation to return at this year’s conference — this time as a conference leader.
“Enabling tomorrow’s leaders is an integral focal point of Rotary Youth Services and I am proud that our club is supporting the leadership development of our young adults,” states Rich.
If you are interesting in learning more about Rotary Youth Services in Connecticut, please visit the Rotary District website: http://rotaryyouthservices7980.com.
About the author : michael austin
