APISD STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN 2021 ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS
The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass congratulates Clarissa Hinojosa and Anthony Pena for participating in the Rotary International District 5930 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program held March 10 through 14, 2021. The RYLA program was presented online as eRYLA for 2021. District 5930 RYLA program leadership utilized experiential programming developed by professional youth educators of Leader NU, LLC. The fun, challenging, hands on team learning experience was based on the normal Camp Zephyr RYLA in person camp. Students from Victoria to the Rio Grande Valley participated in leadership, motivational, and team building events while at eRYLA. Approximately 80 Students participated in eRYLA weekend 2021. 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.
Clarissa Hinojosa participates in Theater Club, Band, and the Environmental Club at Aransas Pass High School. She received Honorable Mention for her effort in this year’s One Act Play. Clarissa is an A-B Honor Role student. She plans to major in Art in College and wants to become a Conceptual Artist. Clarissa’s goal is to work in Walt Disney Studios.
Anthony Pena participates in Color Guard, Drama and One Act Play at Aransas Pass High School. He is a member of Thespians troupe #51. His hobbies include playing video games like Monster Hunter World and Apex Legends, acting and dance. He plans to major in Computer Science in College to become a Video Game developer.
Clarissa and Anthony did an excellent job in representing the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, APISD, and our community as leaders while at eRYLA in 2021. Both Clarissa and Anthony were excited about the eRYLA camp leadership experience and have requested to be Trailblazers/Counselors in 2022.
Clarissa attended the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass May 5, 2021 meeting, provided a Rotary Four Way Test Speech and was recognized for both she and Anthony’s eRYLA leadership. Aransas Pass High School Counselor Rachelle King also attended the Rotary Club meeting and applauded Clarissa and Anthony’s efforts.
To Clarissa and Anthony, Thanks and Great Job! Tomorrow’s leaders are today’s youth.
Picture: Clarissa Hinojosa
Anthony Pena
Picture by Karen Gayle
Article by Bud Lockwood
Submitted by Karen Gayle April 18, 2021