Mari Tucker is a Junior at Irondequoit High School (IHS). Our club sponsored Mari's attendance at this summer's Rotary District 7120 RYLA camp at Finger Lakes Community College. RYLA stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards and is an intensive leadership experience where sophomore and juniors in high school develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. Mari was the 1st choice of the career counselors at IHS when our club reached out for student applications as she has exhibited leadership capabilites throughout high school.
Mari thanked our club for sponsoring her in this “awesome” experience. She felt that she grew as a person and as a leader though this week of camp last July. She has a much stronger image of herself and realizes she can now take the lead by inserting her ideas and actions into improving whatever task is in front of her.
The camp had many exercises that trained the students to build communications skills and strategies to become dynamic leaders. Committees were formed to perform certain tasks during the week such as documenting the week with media and creating t-shirts. There were many problem solving and team building activities that the students will keep with them for a long time.
The days were long but Mari thought they were so much fun. The best part of the experience is creating many new friends that she continues to communicate with everyday since camp. Graduation was sad because no one wanted to leave but they were glad to have met so many new friends. Mari thought the coaches at camp were very focused and encouraged open communications.
It was an excellent presentation by Mari (See her PRESENTATION) and we were very fortunate to have someone like Mari to represent Irondequoit at RYLA. Going forward, Mari has agreed to be a mentor at the school to encourage next year's candidates to consider applying for RYLA.
Thanks Mari and thanks to her parents, Lisa & Jeff!
