Rotarians of the Rotary Clubs of Temple and Temple-South quickly put RI Shekhar Mehta’s 2021-22 Rotary Theme, “Serve to Change Lives,” into action by jointly sponsoring The Rotary Excellence in Leadership Workshop as an alternative experience following the cancellation of the 2021 RYLA Camp.
Ten students representing six area high schools: Temple High, Belton High, Belton New Tech, Rogers High, Central Texas Christian School, and Holy Trinity Catholic High School participated in the three-day event (June 30 – July 2). They received messages on leadership from Temple Rotarians, Rod Henry, President of the Temple Chamber of Commerce and Tim Davis, Mayor of Temple; and Dr. Lisa Adams, Assistant Superintendent of the Temple Independent School District. They toured TISD and City of Temple Administration offices and learned first-hand what it takes to run a City and School District from Department Heads charged with day-to-day operations.
The students also received inspiring messages from Doree Collins, Executive Director of the UnIncluded Club and Songanette Crossley, President of Citizens for Progress. They participated in team building exercises courtesy of Temple-South Rotarians Ken and Pat Johnson, received professional disk golf lessons, and participated in a service project, “Kids R.E.A.D,” at the Temple Public Library, and toured the UnIncluded Club’s Urban Farm where they grow fruits and vegetables for the community. District Governor Beverley Luedke and State Representative Hugh Shine provided closing messages and wrapped up the event with lively special Q&A.
Students were selected from the pool of candidates. We nearly double the number of students served by RYLA from the Temple Community—who had the opportunity to learn a lot about Rotary, Interact, Student Exchange, and most importantly—Service Above Self. The bonds and new friendships formed among the students will last years into the future as they become our next generation of servant leaders.
We believe the Rotary Excellence in Leadership program for youth is easily transferable to other communities where Rotary clubs are present; and was designed to complement RYLA, not replace it. If interested, contact Gary Rapp or Richard Schneider for details.