Two MISD seniors experience RYLA Camp
Rotary Club of Marlin program on Jan. 8, 2025, featured Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Campers and MISD Seniors Cornesia Shaw and Shawna Suiters. Each provided Rotarians a look at RYLA Camp through the eyes of a potential leader. RYLA Camp was held at Twin Lakes Family YMCA, in Cedar Park, on June 30 thru July 5, 2024.
Miss Suiters and Miss Shaw described their initial shyness giving way to full participation in a fun and intensive training program designed to help them develop leadership skills (problem solving and conflict management), build confidence, and learn about citizenship and personal growth. They worked in teams to build consensus and communicate effectively.
RYLA Campers participate in athletic events, educational workshops, team building exercises, cooperative games, and competitions.
“We were busy! Wake up time was 5:30 a.m. and there was something to do every hour!” explained Miss Shaw. “There were lots of activities! We were assigned to cabins and there were cabin activities, even in the evening.” She continued, “We weren’t forced to participate, but after the shyness of the first day, it was fun!”
Campers worked with other students, volunteer counselors, and motivational speakers. “I got to know a lot of other students from across the district, and I made new friends. I am still communicating with them,” smiled Miss Suiters.
Campers learn about community and global citizenship, and how to be a good citizen. RYLA builds future Rotarians with the motto “Service Above Self”. “There are students who are already serving their community,” shared Miss Suiters.
Campers learn about the importance of values and ethics, and how to act appropriately based on those values. Miss Shaw and Miss Suiters turned in cell phones for the entire stay and, while it was initially unfamiliar, quickly appreciated the time spent communicating vis-à-vis with other students and counselors.
When asked if they would recommend attending RYLA Camp to Juniors at Marlin High School, both Miss Shaw and Miss Suiters widely smiled and resounded, “Oh, yes!” In fact, Cornesia Shaw is returning to the RYLA Camp at the end of this academic year as a Camp Counselor!
At the Rotary Club meeting and amongst Rotary Club members, Mmes. Shaw and Suiters shared lunch, then stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, and verbalization of the Four-Way Test.
The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings:
Of the things we think, say or do 1) Is it the TRUTH?; 2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?; 3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?; 4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
These principles developed over the years to provide Rotarians with a strong, common purpose and direction.
RYLA camps are hosted by Rotary districts and sponsored by local Rotary clubs. RYLA Scholars are selected through a 200-word essay as part of the application process. Young people are chosen for their leadership potential to attend an all-expenses-paid camp to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice.
Rotary views students as potential future leaders with the capacity to create positive change in their communities and the world.
Rotary Club extends a thank you to Mrs. Lindy Mitchell, MISD High School Principal, who brought Seniors Cornesia Shaw and Shawna Suiters to the Rotary Club meeting. Rotary extends its gratitude to the instructors who continue to educate the students. Thank you also to MISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Henson, who approved Miss Cornesia Shaw and Miss Shawna Suiters’ trip from campus. It was made clear by their educators, “These two students are ‘up’ (exemplary) with all of their studies and merit their time to present their experiences at RYLA Camp at the Rotary Club of Marlin meeting.”