BULLETIN TEMPLATE (Oct 10, 2017)

We were joined at today's luncheon by 4 Interact students, Cezanne Logeski, Chloe Andriani, Ava Schully, and Sabrina Schully, in addition to their club advisor, Deirdre Filippi, Blue Ribbon PJHS Principal Christine Austen, and other fellow-Rotarians representing the Port Jeff School District, Supt. of Schools Dr. Paul Casciano, and Supt. for Business, Sean Leister. The students talked to us about their RYLA Summer Experience in Massachusetts. In introducing them, Dennis reminded us that RYLA is Rotary-wide and world-wide and that these young ladies, by virtue of their RYLA participation, will undoubtedly take us into the future as leaders in society. Cezanne, a senior and also Interact Club President this year, was a facilitator. She began her acquaintance with the RYLA program as a sophomore and learned about team-building, setting up comfort zones, and the like. As a facilitator at the most recent primarily student-run weekend on LI, she helped with motivational speakers, led sessions and discussions, formed more friendships, and led her peers by example. When Ava, Chloe, and Sabrina attended the spring weekend, they found that it exceeded their expectations- they learned so much about themselves and from their fellow-RYLArians- that they felt they just had to sign up for the summer week-long RYLA Camp. This was an occasion for forming immediate friendships (that they feel will be long-lasting), where the 1st day began with genuine, open-armed welcomes, and where they felt that they really belonged. On their 1st night at the camp, they shared personal stories as part of an ice-breaker. Towards the end of the week, they found themselves writing notes to each other ("warm & fuzzies"), providing each other with all kinds of support and kindness. These girls were amazed to learn that all shared struggles at home and quickly opened up to each other. (We learned that they barely touched their cell phones during the week- they were too busy communicating face to face!) There were 2 sessions per day, where they received tips on how to successfully overcome life's obstacles. There were also more enjoyable matters to be shared such as travel tips, life lessons, and expanding opportunities for teen bonding. All of these youngsters felt that the RYLA week was an unforgettable experience that will endure as they continue to mature. Each felt she has become more outgoing, more positive, and more highly motivated to seek leadership roles. Among the most unforgettable games they played and learned from was "Step to the Line", where they were asked to step forward if something mentioned happened to or was true of them, ie., if they'd ever been bullied, or if they loved chocolate. They found that everyone stepped up on one or more occasions, and that if one stepped up, they were usually not alone in doing so. There were around 90 campers and facilitators at the camp this past summer. Dennis thanked and congratulated the girls and pointed out that their camp experience, financed with our help, was obviously a great club investment. Deirdre also thanked our club for sponsoring these campers and allowing them the opportunity to experience this probably life-altering week.