APISD STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN 2020 ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS

The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass congratulates Deacon Arrington for participating in the Rotary International District 5930 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program held January 31 through February 2, 2020 at Camp Zephyr on Lake Corpus Christi.  Alyssa Hinojosa, a 2019 RYLA participant, is also congratulated.  Alyssa returned in 2020 as a “Trailblazer” counselor.  
     
       Students from Victoria to the Rio Grande Valley participated in leadership, motivational, and team building events while at RYLA.  Approximately150 Students participated in RYLA weekend 2020.  RYLA is Rotary’s leadership training program for youth.  Program activities focus on development of communication, critical
thinking and problem solving, and team decision-making skills all through experiential learning. RYLA also highlights and rewards the kinds of character traits demonstrated in positive, effective leadership. RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth.     
   
 RYLA aims to:
  • Demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth;
  • Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders;
  • Encourage continued and strong leadership of youth by youth; and
  • Recognize publicly young people who are participating in their community and school activities.
     Deacon Arrington is an A-B Honor role student, participates in HOSA (Future Health Professionals), Spanish Club, ROTC, and Student Government at APHS.  Deacon plans to study in one of the medical fields and also in theology.  Deacon has future plans for study visits in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
 
      Alyssa Hinojosa participates in HOSA (Future Health Professionals), NHS (National Honor Society), One Act Play, Robotics, and Band at APHS.  She is a Drum Major in the Marching Band. Alyssa plans to major in Instructional Music Studies at Texas A&M Kingsville and aspires to teach Music at the high school or college level. 
  
      Deacon did an excellent job representing the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, APISD, and our community as leader while at RYLA in 2020.  He stated that RYLA had a positive effect on his life and hopes to become a RYLA first year counselor (Trailblazer) in 2021.  Alyssa was a Trailblazer this year and did an excellent job in representing the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, APISD, and our community while at RYLA in 2020
 
      Alyssa, and Deacon attended the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass February 24, 2020 meeting and were recognized for their leadership.   APISD Superintendent Cara Cooke and Aransas Pass High School Counselor Steven Schoelman also attended the Rotary Club meeting and applauded Deacon and Alyssa’s efforts.
 
       To Alyssa and Deacon, Thanks and Great Job!  Tomorrow’s leaders are today’s youth.    
 
Picture:      Bud Lockwood, Rotarian
                    Deacon Arrington, 2020 RYLA Participant
                    Cara Cooke, Superintendent APISD
                    Alyssa Hinojosa, “Trailblazer” at 2020 RYLA
 
Picture by Karen Gayle
Article by Bud Lockwood
Submitted by Karen Gayle